Sharjah24: Under the slogan “Thank you mom”, the Friends of Breastfeeding Association of the Health Promotion Department at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs honoured yesterday 40 mothers and breastfeeding mothers from different nationalities, in recognition of their key role in giving their children the best start to life through their breastfeeding and in line with Sharjah’s efforts to cement its position as an ideal family destination.

The ceremony, which was held virtually, was attended by Iman Rashid Saif, Director of the Health Promotion Department, Eng. Khawla Al Noman, Head of Breastfeeding Friends Association, the association's administrative staff, and volunteers, a large presence of mothers and their children, representatives of the Association’s sponsoring and supporting authorities. 

In her opening speech, Eng. Khawla Al Noman said: “Today’s ceremony comes in line with the wise vision and directives of H.H Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, to improve the physical and mental health of both mothers and children by increasing the rates of breastfeeding as being the perfect way to form a strong family relationship and build a safe society whose individuals enjoy the health and wellbeing.”

“While we are honoring today breastfeeding mothers, we would like to draw attention to the importance and benefits of breast milk and that the proper upbringing of children starts with breastfeeding. It is one of the best sources of nurturing and feeding infants and babies and protecting them from diseases when they grow up,” added Al Noman.

Al Noman wished every mother a life full of happiness and joy with their children and families, adding: “Being a mother, I fully realize the great responsibility every mother bears. It's a responsibility we all love, and we'll do whatever it takes to help raise future generations capable of reinforcing and upholding the status of our beloved country.

The honoring ceremony comes as part of the wise vision of  Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, to improve the physical and mental health of both mothers and children, by increasing the rates of breastfeeding. 

Worth mentioning that the Association has published about 688 posts on its social media pages in Q1 2021 to support and educate mothers on the importance and benefits of breastfeeding.

Eng. Khawla Al Noman, at the end of the ceremony, honoured the mothers and thanked them for their efforts in protecting their children and the children of other mothers, and strengthening the position of Sharjah and the UAE in various health fields that serve both the mother and the child.