The Ebonyi Governor’s Wife, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has encouraged pregnant mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding to improve the development of their babies and boost their immune system.
Mrs Nwifuru gave the encouragement on Wednesday, during her visit to the Maternal and Child Health Clinic, Azuiyoku in Abakaliki.
The governor’s wife pleaded with the traditional ruler council and religious leaders to disseminate message of breastfeeding to pregnant and nursing mothers at their various communities for a better society.
Earlier, the governor’s wife, who was represented by Mrs Jessica Uburu, Special Assistant to the Governor, urged development partners to continue to protect, promote and support exclusive breastfeeding.
Dr Moses Ekuma, Commissioner for Health, revealed plans to meet with the State House of Assembly to review maternity leave for working mothers from three months to six months.
Ekuma stated that the state government would established creche centres in workplaces to enable nursing staff breastfeed their babies.
He said that the week-long events served as a reminder of the significant role that breastfeeding played in maturing healthy communities and promoting wellbeing of both mothers and children.
He emphasised on the benefits of breastfeeding, stressing that breast milk provided essential nutrients, anti bodies and protection against various diseases for babies.
Mr Clinton Ofoegbu, Nutrition Focal Person , United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Breakthrough Action Nigeria called on government to adopt two weeks paternal leave to support their spouses and bond with children.
Mrs Felicia Nwankpum, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, promised to educate pregnant mothers on the initiative, during the 2023 women convention at the rural areas.
Mrs Ekara Etiedu, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Alex Ekuweme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE–FUTHA) also advocated for proper infant and young child feeding practice to improve their well being.
“As we advocate for breastfeeding, let us also advocate for proper Infant and young child feeding practice after six months of the exclusive feeding to prevent severe acute malnutrition,” Etiedu said.
The Coordinator, Baby Friendly Initiative, Ministry of Health, Mrs Beatrice Oji-Nkama, said lactating mothers should have access to breastfeeding to increase bond between mother and child.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2023 theme is “Enabling breastfeeding – making a difference for working parents.(NAN)
