The Sindh Institute of Child Health & Neonatology (SICHN) halted its pioneering Human Milk Bank project on Friday following a new fatwa (religious edict).
A spokesperson from SICHN stated that the institute seeks further guidance from Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi and the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).
Launched a few weeks ago, Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho inaugurated the first Shariah-compliant Human Milk Bank and Early Childhood Center. The initiative, supported by UNICEF and the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA), aimed to supply breast milk to premature infants unable to receive adequate nutrition from their mothers.
The spokesperson explained that the service targeted premature babies of 34 weeks or younger, often weighing less than 2kg, whose mothers could not produce sufficient milk. The milk bank was specifically established to address this critical need.
Providing non-breast milk to these infants increases their risk of complications, infections, and early mortality. Therefore, supplying them with breast milk is crucial for their survival, the spokesperson emphasized.
The official clarified that Muslim children would receive milk exclusively from Muslim women to address any concerns. The service is also offered at no cost to eliminate any notion of commercial exchange.
Initially, in December 2023, Darululoom Karachi issued a supportive fatwa with specific preconditions. However, the spokesperson noted that a revised fatwa issued on June 16 led to the project’s suspension pending further religious advisement.
