The Kaduna State Government, on Thursday, reiterated its dedication to encouraging exclusive breastfeeding as a strategy to lower infant and child mortality rates within the state.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, highlighted this commitment during a press briefing held in honor of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week.
Balarabe stressed the critical role of breastfeeding in supplying vital nutrients and safeguarding children against common illnesses.
She acknowledged that despite a drop in the early initiation of breastfeeding in the state—from 35.9% to 13%, according to the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey—the government is actively implementing measures to support breastfeeding mothers.
She mentioned that these efforts involve ensuring the availability of skilled healthcare professionals, administering essential vaccines, reinforcing primary healthcare systems, granting a six-month paid maternity leave, creating nutrition hubs, and establishing daycare centres in government offices.
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Balarabe recognized obstacles like lack of awareness, hunger, poverty, and insecurity but conveyed confidence in overcoming these challenges through united action.
She 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.”
She further declared “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 breast-feeding of newborns.”
