Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State encouraged female civil servants to take advantage of the approved six-month maternity leave to exclusively breastfeed their newborns.
He made this recommendation during the launch of the State Policy on Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition and State Guidelines on Baby-Friendly Initiatives in Ilorin.
This reminder comes after the state government introduced a six-month paid maternity leave for female civil servants in 2023.
“The state government, in collaboration with the World Bank on the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria project, provided a Basic Package of Nutrition Services to children under five years.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, the governor emphasized that the initiative also encompasses pregnant and breastfeeding women, extending to primary health centers and communities across all 16 local government areas in the state.
Dr. El-Imam stressed that optimal nutrition is crucial for the proper growth and development of individuals.
“However, children and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers require additional attention for their health and wellbeing.
“A child’s first 1,000 days of life, fromconception till their second birthday, is the most critical period of brain development when all efforts and interventions must be deployed to prevent wasting or stunting.
“Stunted children do not perform well in school, resulting in drop-outs and poor bargaining power later in life,” he mentioned.
AbdulRazaq declared nutrition as a health issue as well as a major human capital development and economic concern.
He highlighted that government would continue investing in nutrition and giving children a head-start in life, owing to its consequences for development and social stability.
“The state government had recently inaugurated the State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN), in line with the recommendations of the National Council on Nutrition, with adequate funding to coordinate multi-sectoral approach to addressing malnutrition,” he Emphasized.
Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the governor’s wife, emphasized that breastfeeding is the most effective method for guaranteeing a child’s health and survival, as it provides vital nutrients, boosts brain development, and fortifies the immune system, ultimately giving children a strong foundation for growth and well-being.
“Promoting exclusive breastfeeding encourages mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life.
“Exclusive breastfeeding can prevent malnutrition, reduce child mortality and promote cognitive development,” she stated.
Mrs. AbdulRazaq assured that the government will persist in supporting healthcare facilities, training healthcare professionals, and educating mothers on the advantages of breastfeeding and proper infant feeding practices.
Meanwhile, Dr. Amina El-Imam, represented by Permanent Secretary Hajia Afusat Ibrahim, explained that the Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) policy adopts a comprehensive approach to enhance the nutritional well-being of women and children in Kwara.
This policy will cater to the nutritional requirements of mothers during pregnancy, lactation, and infants and young children up to five years old, addressing their distinct needs.
