‘76 per cent infants denied breastfeeding in Cross River’

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said that no fewer than 76 per cent of infants were denied breastfeeding in Cross River State.

This was disclosed at the commencement of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week by the wife of the state governor, Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, in Calabar, themed: “Closing the Gap; Breastfeeding Support for All.”

Speaking at the event, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office, Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, said that eight out of every ten children between the age brackets of 0-6 months were denied the benefits that accrue from exclusive breastfeeding.

While reiterating the organisation’s commitment towards improving her collaboration with the state, she noted that the importance of breastfeeding cannot be overemphasised.

Chiluwe described exclusive breastfeeding as the cornerstone of a child’s healthy development, adding that it is the key to achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030.

She said: “In the last 12 years, Nigeria has increased the breastfeeding rate by more than 10 per cent. However, exclusive breastfeeding occurs only among 24 per cent of newborns in Cross River State, which is still below the global target of at least 50 per cent by 2025.

“What this means is that 76 per cent, that is, almost 8 out of 10 of our children between ages 0-6 months are denied the uncontested benefits that come with exclusive breastfeeding.”

Otu said the current administration will not relent in its obligation to ensure the overall well-being of every mother and child in the state.

She stated that no stone will be left unturned to encourage the needed bonding between every mother and newborn baby in the state through exclusive breastfeeding.

Represented by the Special Adviser on Health, Dr Queen Essien, the governor’s wife disclosed that the state government recently approved a six-month maternity leave for nursing mothers, which underscores the importance attached to exclusive breastfeeding.

Otu applauded all donor agencies and partners for identifying with the state in this year’s event while expressing joy and fulfillment for the invaluable support.

Representatives of both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nutrition International, Dr Olatunde Rebecca and Olajumoke Oladapo respectively, stressed the importance of exclusive breastfeeding to both mother and child.