Ebonyi state launches campaign to commemorate 2023 World Breastfeeding Week
By: Moses Nwite, Abakaliki
Ebonyi state government through the wife of
Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru has launched the 2023 World breastfeeding week campaign, In a bid to create awareness, promote and sustain exclusive breastfeeding, especially for infant’s health and survival.
Flagging off the event in Abakaliki, the State Capital, the wife of the Governor urged all traditional, political leaders, policy makers, legislators, to become advocates of exclusive breastfeeding and support mothers across the state to practice it.
The first lady called on mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding in order to improve the development of their babies, noting that, the State Government through her office remains committed to support, protect and promote breastfeeding as a veritable means towards eradication of childhood malnutrition in all its forms.
The Special Assistant to the Governor, office of the First Lady, Mrs Jessica Uburu, who represented the wife of the Governor, urged development partners to continue to protect, promote and support exclusive breastfeeding as this a fundamental rights of every child and mother.
In his opening remark, Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma said plans are on the way for Ebonyi government to adopt the extended six months maternity leave for working mothers.
He stated that, “The state government would provide baby creches in all offices, to ensure that working mothers in government and private sectors breastfeed their infants for six months.
“The week-long events serves as a reminder of the significant role that breastfeeding plays in maturing healthy communities and promoting well being of both mother’s and children.”
Ekuma emphasised on the benefits of breastfeeding, stressing that breast milk provides essential nutrients, anti bodies and protection against various diseases for babies.
The Commissioners of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Felicia Nwankpuma promised to use the 2023 August Meeting to educate pregnant mothers on the initiative.
The Nutrition Focal Person , USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Mr Clinton Ofoegbu called on government to adopt the 2-weeks paternal leave for fathers to assist the wife.
Highpoints of the event were the distribution of maternity kits to nursing mothers at Maternal & Child Health centre Azuiyiokwu by the wife of the Governor.
The theme for this year’s week long campaign is “Enabling breastfeeding – Making a difference for working parents.”
