The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has launched a breastfeeding campaign in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, to reduce infant mortality and morbidity in the North East region.
Speaking on Thursday at the launch of the campaign, UNICEF’s Borno field officer, Joseph Senesie, said the campaign would protect children from risks associated with not being breastfed, including malnutrition and increased mortality rates.
According to him, breastfeeding shields infants from deadly diseases like malnutrition, diarrhoea, and pneumonia and also boosts their cognitive and emotional development.
Senesie noted that years of conflict in Borno State have led to increased donations of breast milk substitutes, putting more children at risk. He called on the government to support breastfeeding mothers by introducing six months’ maternity leave and creating breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.
He appealed to governments and employers to create an enabling environment for working mothers to breastfeed, highlighting its critical role in emergency situations.
Nigeria has a low exclusive breastfeeding rate, with only 62% of children breastfed for the first six months, leaving many at risk of contracting life-threatening illnesses and developing malnutrition due to weakened immunity.
The campaign, themed “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” aims to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding, especially in emergency situations.
Senesie stressed the need for all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and health workers, to support breastfeeding, highlighting the crucial role each plays in promoting a culture of breastfeeding.
By working together, stakeholders can ensure that mothers have the resources and support they need to breastfeed their children, giving them the best possible start in life.
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