Insecurity, Poverty Responsible For Poor Breastfeeding Of Newborns – Kaduna Govt

Kaduna State government has identified insecurity, poverty and hunger as major factors responsible for poor breastfeeding of newborns in the North West region.

The government expressed its commitment to improving breastfeeding of newborns in the state.

It noted that human capital development programmes will amount to nought if babies do not survive and thrive due to poor or no breastfeeding.

Addressing a news conference yesterday in commemoration of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week, the Kaduna State deputy governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe said in ensuring proper breastfeeding the state government is

committed to providing qualified and adequate health providers in hospitals to assist lactating mothers, offering necessary vaccines to pregnant mothers and newborns.

She also noted that the economic challenges of post-covid 19 have continued to pose challenges to food production, income generation and access to nutrition for breast feeding mothers and dietary diversity appropriate for the children.

Balarabe said this year‘s theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,“ was appropriate for raising the level of awareness and support required to increase the global breastfeeding rate.