The Cross River State Government has taken a significant step by approving a six-month paid maternity leave extension for breastfeeding mothers, recognizing the numerous benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
This announcement was made by Dr. Henry Ayuk, the State Commissioner for Health, during a briefing in Calabar to mark the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place from August 1 to 7.
The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.’ Dr. Ayuk emphasized that this extension is crucial due to the advantages of breastfeeding for children, mothers, and society as a whole.
He also highlighted the alarming statistic from UNICEF that Nigeria has the second-highest rate of stunted children worldwide, with 32% of children under five years old affected, surpassing the African regional average.
He said, “An estimated two million children in Nigeria are suffering from severe acute malnutrition and only 17 per cent of babies are exclusively breastfed within their first six months of age.
“In Cross River, available data show that 23 per cent of children under five years of age are stunted due to acute malnutrition which is of great concern to the state, hence its emphasis on breastfeeding and child nutrition.
“To further demonstrate the state’s commitment, a matching fund of N100 million to support the purchase of multiple micronutrient supplementation has been provided by the governor to support the nutrition needs of malnourished children and pregnant mothers.”
According to the Commissioner, the current administration has made funds available for nutrition programs, a departure from the previous administration.
He emphasized that exclusive breastfeeding not only meets a child’s nutritional needs but also boosts their immune system, supports brain development, prevents allergies, reduces obesity risk, and maintains a healthy gut.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bong Duke, Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, announced that they are collaborating with religious organizations to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
Represented by Mbong Ausaji, Permanent Secretary in SPC, Duke stated that Governor Bassey Otu’s policy goal is to achieve the healthiest citizens in the nation by 2027.
Dr. Gloria Archibong, representing the World Health Organization, emphasized the importance of collective support from all Cross River residents to encourage mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding.
She stressed that by doing so, mothers will recognize the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, leading to a generation of healthier and more intelligent children in the state.
