…calls on citizens to support mothers to practice breastfeeding
From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
To raise and create awareness of good health and the outcome of breastfeeding on infants, young children mothers, families and the society at large, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with its Health Partners and other stakeholders has joined the rest of the World to observe and celebrate the week scheduled to hold between 1st to 7th August, 2024.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued to newsmen on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, Mrs Patricia Dowetritshe said the World Breastfeeding Week is a yearly global campaign instituted to raise awareness on the health and wellbeing outcomes of breastfeeding, on infants, young children mothers, families and society at large.
The statement also said that the global theme for this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is ‘Closing the Gap, Breastfeeding Support for All’ The theme emphasizes the collective responsibility of all, to ensure that every mother receives the support she needs to make breastfeeding a successful and fulfilling experience.
According to the statement, “To successfully breastfeed their babies, mothers need support from the health system, family members, community members and workplace.
“This support is critical to the success of breastfeeding because knowledge sharing, encouragement, support with household chores, call-ups and creation of an enabling environment makes the act of breastfeeding easier for the mother.
“It is essential that no one is left behind especially vulnerable mothers who may need additional assistance to reduce breastfeeding inequalities.
“Women in all settings need and deserve support to optimally breastfeed their babies.
“Hence, the Ministry has dedicated 1st to 7th August 2024 to celebrate the week-long event with a series of planned activities.
“The week will be flagged off on the 1st of August with a record-breaking event for most lactating women breastfeeding simultaneously, which will be followed by community outreaches, training of health workers, media campaign, among others.
“The Ministry also recommends early initiation of breastfeeding within an hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond, with the introduction of appropriate complementary food as from six months.
“The general public is being reminded that breastfeeding provides many unmatched proven health benefits for babies and mothers, as well as potential economic benefits for households and communities. Breastfed babies have stronger immunity and reduced risk of infections and many childhood illnesses. Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants, it is readily available, cheap, safe, clean and gives the first form of protection against many common childhood illnesses.
“Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the child needs for the first six months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.
There is no doubt that breastfeeding is important both to the mother and the child, a practice that all fathers, family members and society should support without fail.
“The Ministry therefore urges all citizens to support mothers to practice optimal breastfeeding as you join us to celebrate the week and support all mothers to breastfeed as recommended. Your support contributes to our nation’s health, economy and future workforce,” the statement concluded.
