Choosing to breastfeed is a vital decision for parents, as it gives either an impact or a health risk to both mother and baby. Nonetheless, giving a product as a substitute for mother's milk will not only increase the health risk of the baby, but will also that of the mother.
No evidence has shown that milk substitutes can replace the nutrients and benefits of mother's milk for the baby, as this is a blessing and award from Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala to the mother. The Minister of Health underlined the matter in the morning at a ceremony to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2012. The ceremony took place at a hotel in Berakas.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan also reminded all the  Ministry of Health staff not to take for granted matters pertaining to promotion, support and absorption of the breastfeeding practice. Efforts to raise public awareness, particularly in the family, are to continue and redouble every time and not to focus only during the Breastfeeding Week celebration. Yang Berhormat Pehin pointed out that interaction between the mother and baby while breastfeeding produces a positive life-long effect to the child in terms of behaviour, speech and well-being when the child grows up. Studies have also shown that breastfed babies have a better IQ compared to those who are on formula. Breastfeeding practice can also guarantee a healthy future generation who are more active, progressive, productive and dynamic, for the country's stronger and sustainable socio-economic development, which is also more competitive in facing challenges of globalisation.
The World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every first week of August that is from the 1st until the 7th of August. This year's theme is "Understanding the Past - Planning for the Future" which reviews the efforts and initiatives from past celebrations and learning from them towards further increasing the rate of breastfeeding. Also held during the celebration was a presentation of a book entitled, "Breastfeeding Wall of Fame" to excellent mothers as well as Maternal Healthcare Clinics throughout the country. Some 370 excellent mothers were identified and this book is a token of appreciation to mothers who have successfully and exclusively breastfed their babies for up to 6 months as well as for their efforts and sacrifices.
As one of the Ministry of Health's efforts to raise awareness on the benefit of breastfeeding among the young generation, a Nationwide Poster Drawing Competition was held for primary school pupils as well as secondary school and Pre-University students. More than 300 entries were received and the winning entries will be turned to posters to promote awareness on breastfeeding. Generally, in Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry of Health's wish to continue to celebrate Breastfeeding Week is to increase the rate of breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months and to continue further until the infant is two years old.