Breast milk best way to address malnutrition: PM

New Delhi, Dec 10 (UNI) Calling for addressing the challenges of malnutrition on a war-footing, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said focus should be laid on foetal under-nourishment and child rearing practices.

''It is important for mothers to understand the importance of breast milk as both a source of nutrition and for building immunity in the child,'' he said in a message.

''The Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India has been doing valuable advocacy in this matter and the South Asian Breastfeeding Partners Forum that it is organising in collaboration with the International Baby Food Action Network and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights will further promote awareness on the vital issue,'' Dr Singh said.

''I am sure the Forum, being partnered by both UNICEF and the Government of India, will throw up useful ideas for combating infant malnutrition at national and global levels,'' he said.

UNI