Enugu State Governor’s wife , Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah has urged lactating mothers to feed their babies exclusively with breast milk in the first six months of birth , saying that breastfeeding is a cornerstone of child survival, nutrition , and development.
She gave the advice on Thursday,August 1,2024, while flagging off the 2024 World Breasting week in Enugu.
The Governor’s wife said this year’s theme, ” Closing the Gaps: Breastfeeding Support for All” was a global campaign to raise awareness, support and draw the populace’s attention to the health and well- being outcomes of breastfeeding on infants, young children and mothers .
Pix- Enugu Govt’s wife, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah
” This initiative aims to raise awareness and advocate for the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life, which is crucial for the health and development of our children . This practice against infections, reduces the risk of chronic conditions and provide all the nutrients infants need for healthy growth, ” she said.
The Governor’s wife however, noted that , the challenges, misconceptions and harmful practices nursing mothers face , such as introducing water and other substances within the first six months of the baby’s life ,can undermine the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
“Today’s campaign is a clarion call to address these issues and provide the support every mother needs to give her child the best start the best start in life”, she said.
Pix- Enugu state Governor ‘s wife,Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah
Mrs Mbah disclosed that the event , which was put together in partnership with the Ministry of Health , the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency , the Nutrition Department, UNICEF, Nigeria and other dedicated partners, was ” embarking on a groundbreaking initiative that will simultaneously set a new world record for the most lactating women breastfeeding. .
Pix: SSG,Prof Chidiebere Onyia ( m) Gov ‘s wife,Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah ( R)
“The goal is to gather at least 30,000 lactating women in 30 major cities and internally displaced camps in Nigeria. Enugu State proudly contributes 1,000 of these women at today’s flag- off ceremony. This effort aims to surpass the current record of 21,000 held by the Philippines since 2013.”, she said.
The wife of the Governor continued, “This historic event is happening simultaneously in all states of the federation, with the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Okuremi Tinubu and the first Ladies across the states .leading this noble cause closing the gap in breastfeeding, support and ensuring that every child has the chance to survive.
Pix- Mrs Mbah witnessing mothers breastfeeding their babies
Pix: Participants breastfeeding their children simultaneously in Enugu
“Here in Enugu , as we witness 1,000 mothers breastfeeding simultaneously,
we are not just breaking records, we are breaking barriers. We are promoting a culture of support, understanding, and empowerment for all mothers .We are closing tbe gap in breastfeeding support and ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive,” she said .
Participants breastfeeding their babies simultaneously in Enugu
In his speech, the Commissioner for Health, Associate Prof Dr. Ikechukwu Obi said the event was to promote exclusive breastfeeding which is good for child development. He encouraged mothers to breastfeed their babies exclusively for six mothers inorder to raise children that will attend the 260 Smart schools being built by the state Government under the leadership of Dr. Peter Mbah.
Pix- Commissioner for Health Associate Prof Obi
The Commissioner lauded the state Governor , who had embarked on the building of 260 Primary Health centers across the state.
On her part the Executive Secretary, Enugu state Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ifeyinwa Anih- Osheku, said breast milk is rich in nutrients and is the best immunization for babies.
Dr. Anih- Osheku added that breast milk contains enzymes, antibodies, and hormones that protect the body against diseases and promote optimal health
Pix- Executive Secretary, ENPHDA, Dr Anih- Osheku
She said in workplaces, breastfeeding mothers should be supported psychologically and be provided with a place for them to be breastfeeding their babies.
In their respective goodwill messages , the representative of UNICEF,, Ngozi Onuorah, her WHO counterpart, the chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria( CAN) ,Rev Emmanuel Edeh, the leader of Yoruba community in Enugu and representative of Muslim community in Enugu, Adebayo Abdulazzi, spoke on the importance of breastfeeding . They encouraged nursing mothers to breast their babies exclusively for six months for a better development and to eat healthy.
Highlight of the event was presentation of gifts to mothers who breastfed their babies most..
Those in attendance included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development Ngozi Enih, Developing Partners,, lactating mothers among others.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama