On Thursday, a remarkable gathering of over 1,000 lactating women in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, simultaneously breastfed their babies, setting a record in celebration of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week.
This milestone event, part of the World Breastfeeding Record Initiative, aimed to highlight the vital importance of exclusive breastfeeding.
Gerida Birukila, UNICEF Kaduna’s Chief of Field Office, emphasized that this record attempt sought to make history and convey a powerful message about the significance of breastfeeding as the foundation of lifelong health and well-being.
“It is a simple, cost-effective, and natural way to give infants the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.
“However, despite its proven benefits, exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low at 42 per cent according to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2021 done by the National Bureau of Statistics,” she explained.
She hiy that many mothers faced cultural, social, and practical barriers that prevented them from breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of their child’s life.
“Today’s event aims to break down those barriers. By coming together, we challenge harmful norms and practices, such as introducing water and other pre-lacteal feeds in the first six months.
“We are here to dismantle the stigma surrounding breastfeeding and to empower mothers with the knowledge and support they need to make the best choices for their children’s health including the approval of 6 months of paid extended Maternity leave,” She noted.
Birukila applauded all the participating mothers in Nasarawa State and across the locations in the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory and IDP camps.
“I salute your courage and dedication. Your participation is a testament to your commitment to your children’s health and the health of future generations. You are the true champions of this initiative, and your collective action will inspire many more to follow in your footsteps,” she stated.
Gerida Birukila emphasized the importance of continuing awareness efforts on exclusive breastfeeding beyond the week-long event to achieve a lasting impact on children’s health and well-being in the state.
She expressed gratitude to the wife of the Nasarawa State Governor, Hajiya Silifat Sule, and other stakeholders for their advocacy on breastfeeding and child nutrition.
Birukila reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Nasarawa government in improving child health and nutrition.
Meanwhile, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, the Nasarawa Commissioner for Health, highlighted the significance of exclusive breastfeeding, urging lactating mothers to maintain this practice for at least six months through his representative, Dr. John Damina.
“Exclusive breastfeeding is crucial to the growth and mental development of every child. It’s important that culture without any other feed for the stipulated period of six months.
“Also, the habit of spilling the first milk after birth should be discouraged as it’s highly beneficial to the baby,” he noted.
Mothers like Mrs. Charity Edeh and Asmau Agabi shared their personal experiences and praised the benefits of exclusively breastfeeding their babies for the first six months.
They urged all mothers to follow suit, particularly in light of the current economic challenges and the high cost of baby formula, highlighting the practical advantages of breastfeeding.
