No fewer than 1,000 Nasarawa State lactating women, Thursday, breastfed their babies simultaneously in Lafia, the state capital, as part of the World Breastfeeding Record Initiative.
The initiative is in commemoration of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week in Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the event, Gerida Birukila, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kaduna, said that the attempt at the world record for the highest number of lactating women breastfeeding simultaneously in Nigeria was geared towards making history and sending a powerful message to the world about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.
Birukila said that breastfeeding was 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 said.
She noted 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 said.
Birukila commended 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 added.
She stressed the need for the sustenance of the awareness creation on the need for exclusive breastfeeding beyond the weeklong event to have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of children in the state
The Chief of Field Office appreciated the wife of Nasarawa State Governor, Hajiya Silifat Sule, and other stakeholders for championing breastfeeding and child nutrition in the state.
She reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to support the Nasarawa government towards better child health and nutrition.
In his remarks, Dr Gaza Gwamna, Nasarawa Commissioner for Health harped on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr John Damina, the commissioner challenged lactating mothers to sustain the culture of exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of a child’s life.
“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 said.
Some of the mothers, Mrs Charity Edeh and Asmau Agabi gave testimonies about the benefit of breastfeeding their babies exclusively for the first six months.
They encouraged all women to adopt the practice, especially with the current economic realities and the attendant high cost of infant formulas.
NAN
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