By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
Only about 24 percent of infants in Nigeria gets exclusive breastfeeding within the first six (6) months of birth, a survey on National Maternity Entitlement carried out by Alive and Thrive in collaboration with the Federal ministry of Health has revealed.
The survey which further noted that adequate nutrition in the first 1000 days from pregnancy to two years of age, is critical to enable all children lead a healthier and more productive lives, added that mothers well-being is key to ensuring healthy outcomes.
Speaking at the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week programme organized by the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with FHI360/A&T and Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Sokoto State chapter, one of the panelists, Professor, Mohammed Oche from Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto (UDUTH), called on government at all levels to ensure community baby friendly initiatives.
Speaking on the theme of this year's World Breastfeeding Week, "Enabling Breastfeeding, Making a Difference for Working Parents", in her remarks, Sokoto State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Barrister Aisha Dantsoho, re-assured that breastfeeding certainly gives the best feeding.
Towing same line of advise, the Assistant Controller of Immigration, Aisha Amin, Professor Rabiu Umar, Professor Tahir as well as the representative of UDUTH Chief Medical Director, Professor Raji and the Provost UDUS College of Heath Sciences, Professor Ahmed Saidu Sule, all underscored the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.
While throwing their collective support for the full implementation of, "Workplace Breastfeeding Lactation Programme in Nigeria, the academicians noted that breast milk increases infants immune system, stimulates neurological development as well as strengthen mother child bond.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Sokoto State Nutrition Officer, Muhammed Alhamza, appealed to expectant and nursing mother's as well as their husbands to support exclusive breastfeeding.
In their call to action, Alive and Thrive urged participants to become advocate of exclusive breastfeeding in their respective locations. NNL.