Current hunger in the country has thrown over 7,000 lactating mothers living with HIV and AIDS in Nasarawa State into feeding anxiety. They expressed worry that they could no longer practise exclusive breastfeeding because they could no longer feed well.

Former State Coordinator of Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS, Philip Lokoko, made this known at an event to mark the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week in Lafia.

“This is the first time lactating mothers living with HIV and AIDS in Nasarawa State were to appear in their hundreds as a group in public to mark the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week as part of campaigns to increase awareness of the benefit of practising exclusive breastfeeding,” he said.

Lokoko said according to available records, over 15,000 childbearing mothers had tested positive for HIV and AIDS, but only 7,000 women had identified themselves publicly to seek help.

He disclosed that most lactating mothers could hardly afford three square meals, which, according to him, was a major factor contributing to the low level of giving their children breast milk at least for the first six months of birth.

Lokoko continued: “Breast milk remains the best food for the child at least during the first six months of birth, most women living with HIV and AIDS in Nasarawa State can hardly afford even one square meal.

“So, how can they have the strength to breastfeed their children? We want the government to come to their aid and set up a special intervention for these women.”

State Coordinator, Association of Women Living with HIV AIDS, Mrs Rahab Irmiya, revealed that due to the economic challenges facing most households in Nasarawa, there was need to pay maximum attention to lactating mothers living with the scourge as part of steps towards checking malnutrition and child mortality.

A lactating mother of four living with the disease, Mrs Rahila Audu, stated that all her children are HIV-negative despite her status, but noted that the prevailing economic hardship was her major challenge to uphold exclusive breastfeeding.

“If I don’t eat enough food, how can I have the strength to feed my baby? Breast milk might not be available and nutritious because I don’t eat good food. We want government to support us, especially those of us who have certificates. We need jobs,” she pleaded.

Executive Director of Nasarawa State AIDS Control Agency, Dr Ruth Bello, observed that due to sustained awareness campaigns, the number of women living with the ailment in the state, who have overcome stigma, has continued to rise. She added that the campaigns for exclusive breastfeeding were all-inclusive to enhance the health of mothers and children for a better society.