BY WALE OBELEWAJI
Nursing mothers in Ekiti State have been charged to practice exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of the lives of their babies to achieve optimal growth, development and health.
The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji gave the charge at this year’s flag off of World Breastfeeding Week ceremony organized by the Ekiti State Primary Health Development Agency in collaboration with the Ekiti Committee on food and Nutrition in Ado Ekiti.
Dr Oyebanji who was represented at the event by the Senior Special Assistant on Advocacy and Public Affairs, Office of the wife of the governor, Dr Eunice Fasanmi stated that this year’s celebration with the theme: Closing the Gaps, Break of Record, Break Barriers : Breastfeeding support for All” was timely and apt considering the importance of breastfeeding in the life of infants, improving maternal and child health outcomes.
The Wife of the governor stressed the need for continuous sensitization and public awareness creation on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and to dispel the negative norms and beliefs surrounding exclusive breastfeeding.
“According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding for the first six months of life for a child is very important and beneficial, because beast milk contains all the vital nutrients that the body needs for the six months” . It also contains antibodies that fight against diseases”. She said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani stated that breastfeeding is the key to sustainable development strategies as it improves nutrition, ensures food security and reduces inequalities between and within countries.
Dr Filani who was represented at the programme by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services ,Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun said findings have shown that investing in breastfeeding will prevent 13% of child deaths and morbidity if 90% of mothers of exclusively breastfeed their infants in the first months of life.
The Ekiti Health Commissioner noted that breast milk provides optimal nutrition, boosts the immune system and fosters bonding between mothers and their children.
While urging stakeholders to ensure the mothers have access to skilled breastfeeding practices that would guarantee the best possible healthy living for their babies, he appreciated the governor for his usual commitment to the well-being of Ekiti State citizens.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Peju Babafemi, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, Permanent Secretary Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management Mr Olusola Faluyi, Director General State Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr Ayodele Seluwa and the State Nutrition Officer, Dr Bolanle Olorunyomi.
They Charged mothers and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the practice of breastfeeding to improve the health of their children