The insufficient rate of exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers has been a cause for concern among stakeholders, who believe it is a fundamental right of the child.
It has been emphasized that in order to assist infants in developing a healthy immune system, all mothers need to commit to six months of exclusive breastfeeding before introducing supplementary feeding.
During the flag-off ceremony of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week themed ‘Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all’ in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, stakeholders expressed their views on this issue.
Addressing the attendees, Bamidele Abiodun, the wife of the governor, highlighted that the objective of the initiative is to raise awareness about exclusive breastfeeding and combat detrimental nutritional practices.
Mrs. Abiodun, represented by Dr. Yinka Elemide, the wife of the State Assembly’s Speaker, pointed out that the current rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the state stands at only 33.2%, considerably below the World Health Organization’s target of 70% by 2030.
She attributed the lack of significant national and state support for exclusive breastfeeding to the increasing social and economic vulnerabilities that have hindered many nursing mothers from dedicating ample time to breastfeeding their infants.
In her statement, Dr. Tomi Coker, the Commissioner for Health, represented by Elijah Ogunsola, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, highlighted the significance of this week in reminding mothers, stakeholders, and the government about the importance of promoting exclusive breastfeeding.
Dr. Coker emphasized that the government places paramount importance on the health of mothers and children and is actively engaged in efforts to support this cause.
“I advise all stakeholders to use this week as a time for introspection and recognize the divine gift bestowed upon us, which is unaffected by economic factors. Therefore, we must ensure that our children are not deprived of this blessing.”
Victoria Adebiyi, the State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), praised Ogun State for participating in the global celebration and stressed that every child deserves proper nourishment.
Adebiyi emphasized the importance of educating and preparing mothers mentally and emotionally right from the early stages of their pregnancy.