Does the well-being of our children really matter to us? | By Dr Faiza Abdur Rab

Does the well-being of our children really matter to us?

IN THE UK one day as I was walking to university I found people outside a supermarket protesting against the sale of unhealthy food to children.

They were led by a female scientist, who used to buy branded fresh milk from the supermarket for her children.

Having doubts about the quality of the milk, she sent her sample to a laboratory to test its quality and safety.

The branded milk sold in the supermarket has been revealed to come from cattle fed genetically modified organisms (GMOs) traces of which have been found in fresh milk.

The company owning the brand of fresh milk sold was sued. It was decided that all the stock of milk would be thrown away, its consumers in the event of a health problem that could be linked to the consumption of GMOs would benefit from full medical coverage by the company that owns the brand throughout their life.

A huge fine was charged and the product was discontinued until permission was obtained from the relevant authorities.

As a nation, we lack the necessary attention to our children, mainly because most marriages here are arranged for financial support and / or social security reasons without having the sincere will of the bride and groom, hence the couples were unwilling to give needed love for their children and assumed their responsibilities, both individually and collectively as a nation.

Commercially processed foods for our children, especially snacks, contain dangerous synthetic chemical ingredients which, when eaten regularly, can cause incurable health problems including cancer allergies, depression, short memory, loss of concentration, etc

Most mothers, including educated mothers, mainly give their children commercial food products instead of nutritious foods prepared at home from raw foods.

This important aspect behind growing health problems in children and adults is also overlooked by many health experts and practitioners.

The Covid-19 virus vaccine raises health safety and religious concerns. The vaccines available for immunization against infection with the Covid-19 virus confer partial protection for a short period, for example a few months.

These days, reported cases of illness related to Covid-19 infection are negligible in Pakistan with occasional incidences of death.

In this situation, vaccination against Covid-19 virus infection in adults, especially when there are health and religious problems, partial protection occurs during its vaccination, and there are occasional incidences of illness caused by Covid-19 infection with a negligible fatality rate reported daily, is a contentious issue that requires thorough debate while keeping in mind the safety of individuals and health concerns as primary objectives, leaving behind them the research interests of the individual and the benefits associated with the support.

In childhood, very rapid and crucial growth and development takes place when the immune system (defense system) of the body is fragile and not mature enough to fight off insects and develop long-term resistance while repairing the damage caused by the invasion. of any foreign body (non-self).

Covid-19 virus disease rarely occurs in toddlers and children with a negligible mortality rate while the known risks associated with vaccination with Covid-19 vaccines in children are hypothetically very high and many have yet to be determined. revealed.

Before starting vaccination of toddlers and children against infection with the Covid-19 virus, it is essential that there is a thorough discussion between independent experts with a solid integrated understanding of cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, medical sciences, chemistry, food sciences, molecular biology, biotechnology, microbiology, etc.

In Pakistan, a vaccination campaign against the Covid-19 virus has been launched for children. Does the well-being of our children really matter to us?

—The author is Assistant Professor, Department of Food, Science and Technology, University of Karachi.

About Alma Ackerman

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