Breastfeeding is the optimal method of enteral nutrition for infants in the first year of life due to the many health benefits it offers both infants and mothers, including improved immunity and reduced risk of breast cancer, respectively. Despite the critical importance of the practice, mothers often face breastfeeding challenges related to their caregiver work status, demographic factors, psychosocial attributes, health-care attributes, biomedical constraints, and policies, which can lead to increased use of formula and decreased exclusive breastfeeding.

In this webinar, distinguished panelists shared insights from recent studies on breastfeeding practices, challenges women in Jordan face, and the protective effects of breastfeeding on the mother’s health overall, especially related to breast cancer.

Moderator:

Dr. Moad Al-Rahamneh | Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Jordan Nutrition Innovation Lab
Moad Al-Rahamneh is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Tufts University for the Jordan Nutrition Innovation Lab, and earned a PhD in Epidemiology from University of Navarra – Spain. Dr. Al-Rahamneh has been working in regional NGOs leading regional and national projects and studies on emergency management, disease control, COVID-19, infectious diseases, and biosafety and biosecurity across the MENA region. Within the Jordan Nutrition Innovation Lab, Dr. Al-Rahamneh’s main focus is research component, for which he contributes to and oversees the technical aspects of research and program evaluation. In addition, Dr. Al-Rahamneh contributes into the technical aspect of the JNIL capacity building component, such as research methodology workshop, scientific webinars, and the JNIL symposiums.

Speakers:

Dr. Reem Al Ajlouni | Director, Jordan Breast Cancer Program
Reem Al-Ajlouni is a public health and policy professional with demonstrated experience in project design and management in the areas of health systems strengthening, health governance, organizational development, and health financing. Al-Ajlouni has extensive work experience in the health development sector working with international and national organizations. Currently she is the Director of Jordan Breast Cancer Program, a national program led and supported by the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center. Previously she served as the Health Project Management Specialist at USAID/Jordan, as a National Health Officer at UNICEF, and a Program Coordinator at Medecins du Monde/France. Al-Ajlouni is a member of several forums and committees in the public health field and has a number of published articles. Al-Ajlouni holds a Bachelor's of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Jordan, and a PG Diploma and a Master's of Health Economics from the University of South Wales

Ms. Zeinab Al Bukhari | IBCLC- Lactation Consultant, Institute for Family Health, Community Health and Nutrition
Zeinab Al Bukhari received her B.S. in Nutrition and Food Science in 2002 and her M.Sc in Human Nutrition and Dietitian in 2018 from University of Jordan. She became an International Board-Certified Lactation Counselor in 2021. She has worked with NGOs for more than 4 years in camps providing counselling about infant and young child feeding and has provided Lactation Counseling for mothers since 2018. She is a member of the administrative board in the Breastfeeding Support Association, and is currently the In-Service Training Program Manager under the Community Health and Nutrition project.

Dr. Ayah Talal Zaidalkilani | Assistant Professor of Nutrition, Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra
Ayah Talal Zaidalkilani is an entrepreneur in education, researcher, and an academic faculty member in Public Health and Nutrition at the University of Petra – Department of Nutrition – Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences. Dr Ayah earned her PhD from The Queen’s University of Belfast – UK, in 2019. Dr Ayah has received many awards including Researcher Plus, empowering women in business, and academic distinction. She has a strong background in nutrition science, mother and child nutrition, gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, public health, and community-based research, and she has worked as a nutrition counsellor for the IYCF project for almost two years. At the University of Petra, Dr. Ayah has an interest in sustainable strategies that help the university and the local community, including awareness of a healthy lifestyle and mind, finding the best balance between work and personal life, avoiding distractions, stopping interruptions, and prioritizing daily objectives. Accordingly, she fulfils her role as the regional and international coordinator of academic research funds, training, and collaboration at the University.