Kaduna renews commitment to promoting breastfeeding

The Kaduna State Government on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to promoting exclusive breastfeeding to reduce infant and child mortality in the state.

The Deputy Governor of the state,  Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, disclosed this while addressing newsmen to mark the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week in the state.

Balarabe emphasised the importance of breastfeeding in providing essential nutrients and protection against common childhood illnesses.

She noted that despite a decline in early initiation of breastfeeding in the state, from 35.9% to 13% according to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2021, the government was taking concrete steps to support breastfeeding mothers.

These initiatives, she added, include providing qualified health providers, offering necessary vaccines, strengthening primary health care structures, approving a six-month paid maternity leave, establishing nutrition corners, and setting up crèches in government offices.

Balarabe acknowledged challenges such as ignorance, hunger, poverty, and insecurity but expressed optimism in addressing these issues through collective efforts.

She said, “Breast milk provides a safe, clean, and nutrient-filled formula that protects babies against many common childhood illnesses.

“For the governor, it is important to reduce infant and child mortality as targeted by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using the power of breast milk.

“Colostrum, the first milk that a mother produces, is the most potent natural immune system booster known to science which is why lactating mothers are encouraged to give it to their babies immediately after delivery.”

She further declared “I am proud to say that our governor, Senator Uba Sani, is leading the North-West Zone in framing a collective approach to the insecurity in the area, and I believe that soon the problem will be in the past providing increased opportunities for families to support breastfeeding mothers.

“Our human capital development programs will amount to naught if our babies do not survive and thrive. Let us all rise to close the gap and support breastfeeding for all in Kaduna State.

“Breast milk is central to the nurturing and survival of our babies and our humanity. Please let us close the gap created by none or poor breast-feeding of newborns.”