1000 Nasarawa mothers mark World Breastfeeding Week

As the world marks the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week, over 1000 lactating mothers in Nasarawa joined other breastfeeding mothers in states across the country to hit record for highest number of lactating women breastfeeding simultaneously.

The event was flagged off by the UNICEF chief of field officer, Gerida Birukila in Lafia the state capital on Thursday.

Gerida, in an address, said that the initiative is not just to break world records but make history and send a powerful message to the world about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

“First, I would like to extend my gratitude to the First Lady, wife of the Nasarawa State Governor for being a Champion for breastfeeding and child nutrition, and to the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, for their unwavering support and collaboration. Your leadership and commitment towards improving child health and nutrition in Niger State are truly commendable.

“Breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong health and well-being. It is a simple, cost-effective, and natural way to give infants the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.

“However, despite its proven benefits, exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low at 42% (MICs 2021). Many mothers face cultural, social, and practical barriers that prevent them from breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of their child’s life.

‘Today’s event aims to break down those barriers. By coming together, we are challenging harmful norms and practices, such as the introduction of water and other pre-lacteal feeds in the first six months.

“We are here to dismantle the stigma surrounding breastfeeding and to empower mothers with the knowledge and support they need to make the best choices for their children’s health including the approval of six months of paid extended Maternity leave,” he said

He called on all the mothers participating today across the locations in the 36 states of the federation + FCT and IDP camps to maintain the courage and commitment towards children’s health and the health of future generations.

“You are the true champions of this initiative, and your collective action will inspire many more to follow in your footsteps.

” I would also like to acknowledge our partners, healthcare workers, religious and community leaders, Mothers and the media for your efforts in mobilizing, supporting, and amplifying the message of exclusive breastfeeding.

“Together, we are creating a movement that will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of children in Nigeria. We must note that to reap dividends from this celebration, awareness creation for breastfeeding should not end this week but must be a sustained action.

“Next year, we have a significant milestone to achieve, the World Health Assembly’s target for exclusive breastfeeding. Together, we can go beyond the target of 50%.

“I want to reiterate UNICEF’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Nigerian government in its journey towards better child health and nutrition,” he added.

In his remark, Dr. Damina John, permanent secretary, Ministry of Health who represented the commissioner of health, Dr. Gwamna, said the essence of the breastfeeding week is to remind mothers of the importance of breastfeeding.

He called on mothers to ensure they adhere strictly to the rules of breastfeeding by lying the child in appropriate direction to prevent the breast milk from entering the wrong place while breastfeeding.

Dr. Damina appealed to breastfeeding mothers to make sure the first breast milk after delivery is very essential and must not be spilled away as that milk contains high level of cholesterol and vital vitamin the child needs.

He added that exclusive breastfeeding is essential to the healthy development of any child and urged mothers to take it seriously.

The theme of 2024 World’s Breastfeeding is “Closing the Gap
Break the Record, Break Barriers: Breastfeeding Support for All”.