By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The wife of Borno State Governor, Dr Falmata Zulum, has advocated for the establishment of a comprehensive support framework comprising breastfeeding-friendly healthcare facilities, supportive communities and accommodating workplaces for breast feeding mothers
Dr. Zulum also called for the implementation of six (6) months maternity leave for nursing mothers by the state government to encourage the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
She made the call on Thursday in Maiduguri while flagging-off the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week held at Prime Lodge Conference Hall Maiduguri.
Represented by the Borno State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development , Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, the First Lady added that the breast feeding week is a clarion call to a collective action and collaborative efforts to precipitate transformative change among nursing mothers
She said the theme “Closing the Gap, Breastfeeding Support for All“, highlights the imperative of inclusivity and universality in our pursuit of a breastfeeding -conducive environment, accessible to all individuals.
“I fully support working mothers having six months maternity leave to practice exclusive breastfeeding.
“It is in alignment with the policy recommendation by the WHO-UNICEF-led Global Breastfeeding Collective, we issue a formal appeal for enhanced investments in comprehensive breastfeeding initiatives, improved breastfeeding counseling and support for women within healthcare facilities and community contexts,” Zulum said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Baba Malum-Gana, said series of activities have been lined up for the week such as interactive media sessions, lectures, advocacy visits to elevate public awareness and consciousness.
In his goodwill message, the Chief of UNICEF Borno Field Office, Dr Tushar Rane, raised concern over the dwindling position of Borno in achieving the global target.
He called for the cessation of promotional activities for breast-milk substitutes and the need to optimize integrated routine immunization activities and empowering parents to make informed decisions regarding the optimal nutrition for their infants.
Also presenting the message of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the State Coordinator of WHO, Dr Ibrahim Salisu reiterated commitment of the organization and other stakeholders in supporting Borno in promoting exclusive breastfeeding.
Salisu said breastfeeding remained the foundation for a lifelong health and wellbeing as well as a simple, cost effective, and natural way to provide infants with the nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.
He noted that the key gaps in breastfeeding support include insufficient maternity leave policies, lack of workplace support and inadequate access to breastfeeding education and services in rural areas.
