The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has called on nursing mothers to confidently embrace exclusive breastfeeding, stressing that they have the power to provide their children with the best possible start in life.
Mrs Otti made this call at the Bishop Anthony Nwaedo Pastoral Center in Umuahia during the launch of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week, organized by the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency under the theme: “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.”
World Breastfeeding Week is held in the first week of August every year. It aims to highlight the huge benefits breastfeeding can bring to babies' health and welfare, as well as a wider push for maternal health, focusing on good nutrition, poverty reduction and food security.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Blessing Felix, Mrs Otti reiterated that breastfeeding is a unique gift only a mother can give her child and a sacrifice blessed by God. She encouraged nursing mothers to prioritize their nutrition, as a healthy diet is essential for producing nourishing breast milk.
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Mrs. Otti emphasized the State’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for mothers, calling on Ministries, Departments, and agencies to provide creche facilities for working mothers. She also announced that the State Government has established breastfeeding-friendly hospitals and communities and trained healthcare workers to offer lactation support.
She urged mothers to visit primary healthcare centres in their communities for breastfeeding counselling and support, where healthcare professionals can address knowledge gaps and promote the numerous benefits of breastfeeding for children.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeyinwa Uma-Kalu described breastfeeding as a divine provision for the healthy growth of children. She encouraged mothers to engage in the practice, noting that it nourishes the body and soul and strengthens the bond between a mother and her children.
In his welcome address,, Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Kalu U Kalu explained that the purpose of World Breastfeeding Week is to raise awareness about breastfeeding and its benefits. He noted that this year’s theme was chosen to address identified knowledge gaps, particularly the lack of information among women about breastfeeding.
A UNICEF representative, Mr. Ephraim Chukwu expressed appreciation to the Abia State Government for organizing the event. He noted that the initiative aims to achieve at least 50 per cent coverage by 2025.
Mr Chukwu highlighted that breastfeeding, ideally initiated within the first hour after birth and exclusively continued for the first six months, is crucial for stimulating a baby’s development and ensuring survival.
The Governor’s wife presented gifts and starter packs to the nursing mothers.
