KARACHI: Following the issuance of a new fatwa (religious edict), the Sindh Institute of Child Health & Neonatology (SICHN) announced on Friday that it would suspend the Human Milk Bank project—the first of its kind in the country.
In a statement, a SICHN spokesperson mentioned that they would seek further guidance from the Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi and the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) regarding this matter.
Pakistan’s first Shariah-compliant Human Milk Bank and Early Childhood Center at SICHN was inaugurated by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho, alongside officials from UNICEF and the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA), a few weeks ago.
The initiative aimed to provide breast milk to premature babies who were unable to receive adequate nutrition from their mothers.
Explaining the project’s purpose, the spokesperson stated, “The premature babies are of 34 weeks or less gestation and weigh less than 2kg. Most mothers of such babies do not have sufficient breast milk to meet their nutritional needs.” The human milk bank was established to address this specific challenge.
“Providing these premature babies with milk other than breast milk increases their risk of complications, infections, and early death. Therefore, to save their lives, it is essential to provide them with breast milk,” the official added.
To address concerns about the service, the SICHN official clarified that Muslim children would receive milk from Muslim women only. Additionally, the service would be offered free of charge to eliminate any perception of commercial exchange, the spokesperson noted.
In December 2023, Darul Uloom Karachi issued a fatwa with conditions that provided the necessary religious endorsement to proceed with the project. However, a revised fatwa prompted a pause in the Human Milk Bank’s operations. “This suspension is in compliance with the updated religious guidance,” the official explained.
The revised fatwa, issued on June 16, led authorities to halt the project until further guidance is received.
