Breastfeeding in Oman-The way forward.

Child health programs in Oman are considered to be successful. Before 1970, the infant mortality rate was predictable to be 214 out of 1,000 live births declined to 25 by 1992. The significance of breastfeeding in the survival and health of the children was known by the health authorities and the Baby Friendly Hospitals Initiative (BFHI) was launched in the 1990's. The WHO and UNICEF embarked on a national certification of all hospitals in Oman and by 1999 all marked hospitals were thus certified. The aim of the following policy proposals is to enhance awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding for the community and to propose measures to ensure breastfeeding is supported and thus made a practical option. It seems futile to increase the awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding if the information to ensure that it is a feasible option is not available. The policies were developed with the consideration of the complex barriers that exist regarding breastfeeding as well as recognition of social and cultural barriers. The following policies would combine to be a multifaceted approach and thus increase the potential success of increasing the prevalence of breastfeeding. This policy can apply at all levels: government, private institutions, community and public.