By Sani Adamu Hassan
Every August 1 to 7 globally is set aside to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with a view to highlight the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for six months from and also to ensure the best nutrition and overall health.
Similarly, the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board reveal that it has recorded over 31 thousand exclusive breastfeeding which represents 26.4 percent, and 12.3 percent of early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.
The Executive Chairman of the Board, Dr Rilwanu Muhammad made the ascertion during the flagging off of 2024 International Breastfeeding Week with the theme ” Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support For all ” which took place at Hazibal Suit in Bauchi on Thursday.
Dr Rilwanu Muhammad said promoting exclusive breastfeeding for six months and complementary feeding up to two years and beyond is paramount, considering it importance in promoting the health of babies.
According to him, the week is also meant to support and empower women to breastfeed confidently anywhere and anything, citing its health benefits for women to prevent them from the risk of diabetes and breast cancer among others.
The Executive Chairman also emphasize the need on women to breastfeed their babies, which according to him it enhances bonding and emotional well-being for mothers and babies.
In his address, the state commissioner of health Dr Adamu Umar Sambo said the ministry of health have implemented innovations and programs towards having a disease free state.
Represented by the Director Maternity medicine Ibrahim Ahmed Abdullahi, the Commissioner added that Bauchi has being supported by Government and international partners in the area of prevention and addressing moderate and severe and acute Malnutrition.
He therefore commended the support of Partners especially UNICEF, Advancing Nutrition Nigeria, Alive and Thrive Fhi369, Nutrition international, Care international, Pro-Health international and other stakeholders in the health sector toward ensuring that every ward in the State have a functional primary healthcare facility to reduce the hardship faced while seeking for quality health care services including Nutrition.
Also in her remark, the Bauchi state First Lady Hajiya A’ishatu Bala Muhammad call on Husband, Grand Mothers and mother In-laws to support pregnant women to attend antenatal care.
The First Lady who was represented by the Commissioner Health Dr Adamu Umar Sambo, said the state Government is committed to the wellbeing of women and children under five years, while calling on Families and communities to support women in ensuring exclusive breastfeeding to babies.
In their separate remarks, the representative of UNICEF, WHO, Alive and Thrive Fhi360 and other development partners pledges their determination in improving the health and well-being of mothers and babies in Bauchi state.
