Including ‘the guardian’, ‘the Times’, ‘Science Health’, several worlds recognized daily and news sites published report in between 21 to 25 January 2016 on newly discovered Antibiotic from Human Milk.

Breast milk protein could fight against drug resistance:

Protein based ingredient of human milk, the ‘Lactoferrin’ effectively kills some drug resistant bacteria, viruses and fungi on contact. In many, this is also a fact why breastfed child have the higher level of immune system. The Antibiotic derived from Lactoferrin by slightly engineering on its shape (making virus like capsules) that sharpening to collective attack on outer membrane of selective germ cells; but it is safe to the surrounding body cells of human being. Sickle-cell Anemia, Cystic Fibrosis was incurable, but now the capsules can serve as ‘Delivery Vehicles’ for its cure. The study made in the England by a group of scientist from National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and University College London (UCL) that funded by EPSRC, BBSRC and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The study findings are reported in ‘Chemical Science’ — a journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

China culture:

Not only infant, from long ago over aged / elderly Chinese are receiving human milk as the food when suffering from indigestion of normal food. Some of the Chinese believe that breast milk is the key to vigour at any stage of life. So, till now Wet-Nursing is a big industry in the China. In this connection, a series of reports published in the ‘South China Morning Post’ that started from 2008. The reports showed demand of breast milk is increasing day by day among elderly Chinese; a report said the Wet-Nursing services are providing by ‘Xinxinyu Household Service Company’. According to another report by Chinese publication ‘Southern Metropolis Daily’, an increasing amount of adults are employing wet nurses not to feed their children, but for their own consumption. On the other hand, lot of Chinese manufacturers are producing handy machineries for human milk sucking, bottle sterilizing and milk heating purposes. Those are capable to run by both of AC and DC power sources. Huge brand machines are available in between US $ 03 to 10 for purchasing per unit. So, Chinese are far more advance and skilled nation in human milk management and its best possible uses as a part of substantial culture. 

Bangladesh perspective:

According to Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2014, Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF) rate is only 55% in Bangladesh, which has a need to be increase in 90% as per WHO recommendation. But can we expect a Bengali new mother will provide breast milk to the baby in crowded work place or public place? Have we enough baby friendly infrastructures - like breastfeeding corner and day care centre? Are we conscious enough about lactating mother’s need? When lactation is a mental game rather than physical; in the family, in the work place, on the way; lactating and pregnant mothers are receiving enough care and mental support? As a low middle income country have we any scope to increase allocation in human development sector (health, education etc.) for next five years? Approximately we have 12 million working mothers against 160 million population at present; trend of population growth shows working mother will be near about 35 million against 225 million population by 2030 – have we the capacity to ensure baby friendly environment and infrastructure for all of them? Each of the question have a common answer ‘no’. In the race of being a higher middle income country, Bangladesh Government have no scope to think otherwise except increase investment in income generating sectors. Human being ignores norms and ethics when goes under pressure, face adverse situation and become helpless. In this situation, we could not expect Formula Milk using should be prevented near after.

So, it is better to keep breast milk or Wet-Nurses in the door-steps to win the race against Formula Milk companies. Have we any entrepreneur in evergreen Bangladesh?

Written by - Md. Moinul Islam, Development Worker, mdislammoinul@gmail.com