Experts call for more sensitisation on exclusive breastfeeding

In commemoration of the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), held between August 1 and 7, every year, health experts have called for more public sensitisation on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, saying this is a collective societal responsibility.

The theme of this year, ‘Breastfeeding: Foundation for Life,’ harps on the importance of breastfeeding in a baby’s future and advocates the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding for a more sustainable world.

Managing Director of Isolo General Hospital, Godwin Akhabhoa, said society has a role to play and a lot to benefit from supporting exclusive breastfeeding; hence the need for increased awareness. He observed that exclusively breastfeeding a child is cheap and absolutely safe for mother and child, thereby positively rubbing off on society. Akhabhoa said exclusive breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to provide children with the best start to life, as it helps them to grow, prevents under nutrition, promotes brain development and reduces the risk of children overweight. He finally stressed that exclusive breastfeeding is a sure way to reduce child mortality and make the society better.