Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health has launched the Qatar Dietary Guidelines for Mother and Child (0-5 Years), as part of its ongoing efforts to promote the health and quality of life of mothers and children.
The guidelines aim to support the health of mothers and their children through scientifically based recommendations covering the stages before pregnancy, during pregnancy, after childbirth, and throughout the early years of a child's life.
The guidelines were developed with the participation of a group of experts and specialists in nutrition and health. The guidelines consist of seven chapters that cover a wide range of topics, including diet, lifestyle, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and other important subjects.
Each chapter is designed to empower individuals to adopt healthy habits and make informed decisions.
These guidelines serve as an educational and informative tool that helps raise public health awareness across the community, thereby contributing to improving maternal and child health and ensuring healthy child development.
They also act as a scientific resource for healthcare providers and a reference point for the development of future health policies and programs.
Director of the Health Promotion Department at the MoPH Dr. Salah Alyafei said: "Qatar Dietary Guidelines for Mother and Child (0-5 years) play a vital role in fostering a healthy society by establishing strong health foundations for individuals from an early age."
He added that the MoPH developed the guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence and internationally recommended best practices, while considering the cultural and social context of Qatari society.
He noted that proper nutrition during pregnancy and throughout the first five years of a child's life is among the most important factors directly influencing a child's health. It also plays a vital role in preventing chronic diseases in the future and ensuring better health for both current and future generations.
