The Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe at the flag off Ceremony of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week in Calabar, Cross River State capital, noted that 76% of our children between ages 0-6 months are denied the uncontested benefits that comes with Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF).
Chiluwe stated that introduction of water in the first 6 months of life, is the major harmful barrier to achieving optimal EBF in Nigeria, and in Cross River state specifically. Hence, if mothers could ensure zero water within first 6 months of the life of the baby, it will rapidly improve the EBF rate to over 50% from the current 24% nationally and 28% at the state level, ahead of the 50% WHA global target by year 2025.
In her remarks, she commended the Cross River State Government for approval of Policy on extension of six months paid maternity leave this July 2024, noting that it is a landmark achievement which will greatly contribute to realization of the WHA of 50% EBF rate by 2025.
Dr Vivian Mesembe of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCDA) in her welcome address maintained that since it’s inception, world breastfeeding week has served as a crucial platform to advocate for breastfeeding and create awareness.
In her words, “We aim to create an enabling environment where every mother and child shall take full advantage of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not merely a biological process, it is the oldest form of human civilization because our ancestors intuitively understood this life saving measure passing down through generation to generation. In Nigeria it is part of our heritage, deeply rooted in our traditions and customs.
“We’ll encourage community to foster on breastfeeding culture through awareness campaign and social support network.
We will enhance healthcare system to provide comprehensive maternal and child care services including robust breastfeeding support. We will collaborate with policy makers to enact legislation and policies that promote breastfeeding.
Flagging off the event, Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Her Excellency, Rev Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, who was represented by Apostle (Mrs) Queen Essien averred that the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding is long lasting and can continue into adulthood.
“Breastfed babies are less likely to develop ear infections, respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal illnesses. They are also at lower risk of developing chronic illnesses later in life, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and asthma.
“It is disheartening, as a nutrition champion, to note that despite all the proven health benefits, only 11% of babies in Cross River State and 29% of babies in Nigeria are breastfed (NDHS 2018). The research work also has shown that women need adequate time and support to practice optimal breastfeeding.
“It is therefore imperative for us, as Government at all levels, to focus on ensuring that pregnant women and caregivers of children less than two years of age benefit from social protection measures to support appropriate, respectful, and safe maternity services and recommended infant and young child feeding practices, thus enhancing baby/mother bonding without necessarily affecting their jobs adversely, she stated.
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