In a bid to reduce infant and child mortality rates within Kaduna State, authorities reiterated their dedication to encouraging exclusive breastfeeding among mothers.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, made this statement during an address to the press as part of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week observance in the state.
Balarabe highlighted the significance of breastfeeding in offering vital nutrients and safeguarding children against common illnesses.
Despite the decline in early breastfeeding initiation rates in the state, from 35.9% to 13%, as reported by the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2021, the government is actively supporting mothers who breastfeed through various means.
These efforts include ensuring access to qualified healthcare professionals, providing essential vaccines, enhancing primary healthcare services, granting a six-month paid maternity leave, establishing nutrition centers, and creating childcare facilities in government buildings.
Balarabe acknowledged the obstacles of ignorance, hunger, poverty, and insecurity but remains optimistic that these challenges can be overcome through united endeavors.
She highlighted, “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, 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.”
