SPIRESPIRE-BREASTFEEDING
Project Overview
SPIRE-BREASTFEEDING is a collaborative research initiative carried out in 2023–24 with the Department of Pediatrics at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad.
The project is designed to generate robust evidence on breastfeeding practices, maternal support, and infant health outcomes in Pakistan. The first paper from this project was successfully published in the Journal of Rehman Medical Institute, while the second phase is ongoing at Bannu Medical College under the leadership of Dr. Adil Murad.
This project represents an important step toward addressing low breastfeeding rates and poor feeding practices that directly affect child survival and maternal well-being.
Why This Project Matters
Critical for Child Survival
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival, yet Pakistan’s exclusive breastfeeding rates remain among the lowest in South Asia.
Maternal Health Link
Exclusive breastfeeding benefits both mother and child, lowering risks of infections, malnutrition, and maternal complications.
Research Gap
Despite strong global recommendations, Pakistan lacks large-scale, structured research on breastfeeding patterns and challenges
Policy Relevance
Evidence from this project provides insights that can guide national maternal and child health policies.
SPIRE’s Contribution
By partnering with PIMS and Bannu Medical College, SPIRE is creating a data-driven foundation for improving breastfeeding awareness, training, and support programs.
Implementation & Impact
Phase 1 (2023)
Collaborative research with Pediatrics Department, PIMS Islamabad, leading to the first peer-reviewed publication in the Journal of Rehman Medical Institute.
Phase 2 (2024)
Expansion to Bannu Medical College, led by Dr. Adil Murad, to widen data collection and assess regional breastfeeding challenges.
Capacity Building
Engaging pediatricians, faculty, and young researchers in hands-on data collection, analysis, and publication.
Public Health Relevance
Findings provide practical insights into breastfeeding practices that directly inform clinical counseling and policy frameworks.
Gallery
Real impact, real change — moments from SPIRE-BREASTFEEDING field implementation.
Project Updates
Update 01
Phase 1 completed at PIMS with first research article published.
Update 02
Phase 2 underway at Bannu Medical College under Dr. Adil Murad.
Update 03
Manuscripts in preparation from expanded dataset.
Collaboration Opportunities
SPIRE-BREASTFEEDING welcomes pediatricians, public health researchers, and academic institutions to collaborate.
How to Collaborate?
Join ongoing data collection, contribute expertise, or support manuscript preparation.
Support Options:
Research guidance, statistical support, co-authorship opportunities.
SPIRE BREASTFEEDING FAQs
What is SPIRE-BREASTFEEDING?
Which institutions are involved?
The project is conducted in partnership with PIMS Islamabad and Bannu Medical College.
What have been the outcomes so far?
The first research paper was published in the Journal of Rehman Medical Institute. The second phase is ongoing with expanded data collection.
Why is breastfeeding research important in Pakistan?
Exclusive breastfeeding rates are low, and limited evidence exists to guide national strategies. This project provides critical data to improve maternal and child health policies.
How can I collaborate?
Researchers and institutions can join through data sharing, statistical analysis, or manuscript preparation support. Contact SPIRE for collaboration details.