The Kaduna State Government has said that it is committed to promoting exclusive breastfeeding to reduce infant and child mortality in the state.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe said this at a press conference on Thursday to mark the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week in the state.
She said breastfeeding is a very essential for nutrients and protection against common childhood illnesses.
The deputy governor observed that despite a decline in early initiation of breastfeeding in the state, from 35.9% to 13% according to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2021, the government was taking concrete steps to support breastfeeding mothers.
Balarabe said these initiatives include providing qualified health providers, offering necessary vaccines, strengthening primary health care structures, approving a six-month paid maternity leave, establishing nutrition corners, and setting up crèches in government offices.
She noted that ignorance, hunger, poverty, and insecurity had been serious set back to nutrition among families, saying, however, that the issues were being tackled through collective efforts.
The deputy governor said, “Breast milk provides a safe, clean, and nutrient-filled formula that protects babies against many common childhood illnesses.
“For the governor, it is important to reduce infant and child mortality as targeted by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using the power of breast milk.
“Colostrum, the first milk that a mother produces, is the most potent natural immune system booster known to science, which is why lactating mothers are encouraged to give it to their babies immediately after delivery.
“I am proud to say that our governor, Senator Uba Sani, is leading the North-West Zone in framing a collective approach to the insecurity in the area, and I believe that soon the problem will be in the past providing increased opportunities for families to support breastfeeding mothers.
“Our human capital development programs will amount to nought if our babies do not survive and thrive. Let us all rise to close the gap and support breastfeeding for all in Kaduna State.
“Breast milk is central to the nurturing and survival of our babies and our humanity. Please let us close the gap created by none or poor breastfeeding of newborns.”
