Faith leaders from across the country under the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project have united in support of World Breastfeeding Week 2024, lending their voices in support of maternal and child health with a strong emphasis on nutrition.
By ensuring that exclusive breastfeeding is prioritised, they emphasize that this natural practice delivers essential nutrients that are crucial for a child’s growth.
The ANRiN project is a World Bank-financed project implemented by the Federal Ministry of Health (ANRiN Project Management Unit) through the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), a Non-State Actor (NSA) for Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) through Faith Leaders’ component.
Very Reverend Dr. Sunday A. Emmah, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Nasarawa, passionately addressed the women of Nasarawa state, urging them to fully embrace and practice exclusive breastfeeding.
“To all the wonderful women of Nasarawa, I encourage you to embrace and practice exclusive breastfeeding.
Your commitment to this practice will provide your child with the best possible foundation for a healthy future,” he said. Rev Dr Emmah also emphasized ‘‘exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life, is not only a source of essential nutrients but also strengthens the bond between mother and child, ensuring a healthy start in life’’.
National Programme Manager, ANRiN Project Management Unit, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Ojuolape Solanke, said, ‘‘Breastfeeding is everybody’s business, let’s support lactating mothers and their babies.
It is not just an essential act of care; it is a critical means of providing optimal nutrition and encouraging the healthy development of our children.”
Malama Kadijat Abdullahi Bature, representing the Jama’atu Nasril Islam in Katsina State, emphasized that breastfeeding transcends being merely a physical act, “breastfeeding is not just a physical act; it is a deeply spiritual and religious practice that Islam strongly encourages, as guided by the teachings of the Qur’an in verse 15 of Al-Ahqaf which shows us that the period of bearing and weaning is thirty months. So, after 9 months in the womb the Qur’an shows us that we should breastfeed the child for 24 months.”
Furthermore, Malama Bature stressed the significance of the colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk produced by the mother, which should be given to the child as it provides essential immunity and nutrients crucial for the newborn’s development.
Speaking on the role of husbands, Apostle (Col.) Joshua Sola Akinyemiju (Rtd), the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Oyo state said “I strongly encourage husbands to actively support their wives in achieving exclusive breastfeeding for a minimum of six months
This period is crucial for the child’s overall development, as breast milk provides essential nutrients that promote the growth of bones, brain tissue, and every part of the body.
By doing this, we are laying the foundation for healthier babies and a stronger future generation. Let us all take this responsibility seriously to ensure our children thrive in good health.”
Speaking on the theme of the World Breastfeeding Week, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All” , Executive Director of the Centre for Communication and Social Impact, Babafunke Fagbemi, explained that the theme is central to addressing disparities in maternal and child health.
“The involvement of faith leaders is crucial for engaging all sectors of society in promoting better nutrition through exclusive breastfeeding,” Fagbemi stated.
‘‘These leaders, by leveraging their influence, are working to shift cultural and religious norms to promote practices that will enhance the nutritional status of families nationwide.
Leveraging on reputable and respected religious platforms, Faith Leaders aim to foster a more equitable environment where every mother and child can thrive, ensuring that all children receive the essential nutrients they need for healthy development’’ she added.
This united effort by faith leaders emphasizes the essential role that exclusive breastfeeding plays in ensuring optimal nutrition for infants, setting a strong foundation for their future health and development, ultimately contributing to the overall health of the nation.
