The 1st Neonatal and Pediatric Nutrition Symposium which was held on the 29th and 30th of January 2014 in King Abdulaziz Hospital - Al-Ahsa, highlighted several recommendations, most importantly, the need to encourage breastfeeding by all means.
According to Dr. Ahmad Al Arfaj, Regional Executive Director of National Guard Health Affairs - Eastern Region, the symposium was held in response to the medical staff that specializes in pediatrics, to present the latest scientific developments and the number of attendees, which reached more than 185 participants from various health sectors in the region, reflects the importance of the symposium.
The symposium highlighted several recommendations, including the importance of breastfeeding for both the mother and the baby, by raising awareness and conducting educational activates for health workers, the doctors and the nursing staff.
Furthermore, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Hisham Al Qarm said:”this symposium had a non-typical approach as it started in an innovative educational method, taking the participants on an educational informative trip about the importance of nutrition for Neonates and Pediatrics during the first days of pregnancy until the completion of the childhood phase”. The symposium included 10 lectures and 2 workshops.
Finally, topics introduced covered specialized Neonates nutrition, parenteral nutrition, and nutrition plans for children with genetic metabolic diseases.