The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, has emphasised the critical importance of breastfeeding in reducing infant mortality and enhancing child health.
Balarabe made this known at a press briefing held in commemoration of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week, on Thursday in Kaduna.
She said that the state government remained committed to raising awareness about breastfeeding.
Balarabe said that exclusive breastfeeding was crucial for newborns’ survival and development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She explained that breast milk, especially the first milk known as colostrum, provided essential nutrients and immunity-boosting properties that protect infants from common illnesses.
According to her, in spite of these benefits, there is need to express concern over declining breastfeeding rates in Kaduna State.
Balarabe cited the drop in early breastfeeding initiation from 35.9 per cent in 2018 to 13 per cent in 2021, according to recent surveys.
She also pointed out that fewer than half of infants under six months old were exclusively breastfed, which was below the World Health Organization’s recommendation.
The deputy governor praised the theme of this year’s campaign, ‘Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All’, and outlined the government’s efforts to support breastfeeding mothers.
She said that the government’s support included a six-month paid maternity leave for civil servants, the establishment of nutrition corners across the state and the creation of Crèches in government offices.
Balarabe acknowledged the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers, including poverty, insecurity and economic difficulties which had been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
She assured the state government under Gov. Uba Sani’s leadership was taking steps to address these issues, including distributing free fertilizers and farm inputs to boost food production.
The deputy governor also called on all the stakeholders including the media to support the breastfeeding campaign, stressing the importance of breastfeeding in ensuring the survival and well-being of future generations.
Speaking at the event, Gerida Birukila, Chief of the UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, emphasised the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers and addressing maternal nutrition challenges.
She said that UNICEF was committed to ensuring that every Nigerian mother received the support needed for successful breastfeeding, regardless of her circumstances.
Birukila stressed that breastfeeding was essential for the survival, health, and well-being of infants, providing vital nutrients and protection against illnesses.
She acknowledged the persistent inequalities that hindered access to breastfeeding support, particularly for vulnerable mothers in rural areas and during emergencies.
Birukila called for integrated breastfeeding support in Nigeria’s emergency response plans to protect the most vulnerable infants, especially during crises like conflicts and insurgencies.
She said that addressing challenges affecting breastfeeding mothers, called for the involvement of all the stakeholders, including governments, CSOs, health systems and communities, in creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding.
Birukila lamented the high prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in Nigeria, with 40 per cent of women in Kaduna State affected.
She advocated the scaling up of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) during pregnancy, a strategy approved in 2021 to combat anemia and improve maternal and child health.
According to her, MMS, which contained 13-15 essential vitamins and minerals, was provided through antenatal care services and had been shown to prevent anemia, reduce low birth weight and potentially lower perinatal mortality.
Birukila called for strengthened efforts at the state level to finance and deliver MMS as part of a comprehensive maternal nutrition programme..
She emphasised the importance of reshaping behaviors at the household and community levels to ensure adherence to MMS consumption.
Birukila expressed optimism about the progress and innovations that would emerge from these collective efforts.
She urged sustained action beyond the week to create a healthier and more equitable future for all Nigerians.(NAN
