LAHORE, June 8: As the Punjab health department is focusing on prevention of diseases through vaccines and health education, a private welfare organization is working on its own to educate mothers on the health and care of newborn babies. The organization called ‘Innovations’ has been established in 10 private hospitals in the city and educating mothers on the healthcare of their babies through “Baby Care Record Book.” The books are being provided to mothers by respective hospitals’ administrations.

According to the recently launched Unicef’s State of Children report, the infant mortality rate in Pakistan has touched almost 81 out of 1,000 live births.

The organization’s representatives claim that most of the infants die here owing to a lack of awareness among people about proper baby-care practices.

In order to educate mothers on safe practices, the organization has developed a Baby Care Book containing information about child health care from birth to five years — the crucial years in a child’s life.

“We want that children should grow healthy to become the real asset of a country,” said Innovations director Faisal Noor.

He says parents must know about the needs and requirements of their babies to ensure their healthy growth.

Mr Noor says the organization, functioning on a self-help basis since October 2001, is spreading essential knowledge and awareness among people about the healthcare of children.

He says the colourful record book contains literature in English and Urdu about plan of vaccination from birth to 11 years, the feed of baby up to five years, information about baby’s clothing, bed and atmosphere around, and guidance for the parents.

He says the firm is distributing the literature among 1,200 families every month. It has so far provided over 40,000 books to different families in Lahore.

The baby care record books not only contain awareness about healthcare, but also detailed information about the family. A page has been reserved for newly-born baby’s first photograph, first birthday photograph etc. —- MANSOOR MALIK