The Yobe State ministry of Health and Human Service as well as the Yobe State Primary Healthcare Board with the support from development partners have celebrated the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week with over 500 lactating mothers participating in one-minute simultaneous breastfeeding virtual countdown for the states in the country and the FCT Abuja.
The Yobe’s event, which took place at the Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery, Damaturu was part of Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen Remi Tinubu’s ambition of breaking current world breastfeeding record of 21, 000 set by Philippines to 30, 000 new one-minute simultaneous uninterrupted breastfeeding in Nigeria.
The commissioner of Health in Yobe State, Dr Mohammed Lawan Gana has while declaring the seven day event described the initiative as not only apt but key in creating awareness on the importance of practicing exclusive breastfeeding in the society.
Dr Gana who praised the 2024 theme of the event “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All” stated that the topic coincided with the policy drive of governor Mai Mala Buni of enhancing the living conditions of pregnant women and children below the age of five.
“This theme highlights our collective responsibility to support mothers in sustaining exclusive breastfeeding and to encourage those who support breastfeeding to ensure that infants are exclusively breastfed during their first six month of life, without any additional food or drink, except when medically necessary.
“In alignment with this theme, our administration is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare services to women and children, regardless of socio-economic status.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, Yobe State has implemented a policy to provide free drugs and health services to all pregnant mothers and children under five years of age. This initiative has significantly contributed to reducing morbidity and mortality rates among mothers and children in the state,” the commissioner added.
Also, the executive secretary, Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Babagana Kundi Machina said the celebration of the day will further create more awareness on the need for breastfeeding which provide nutrients and strengthen the immune systems of infants in addition to scaling up the practice in Yobe State.
“Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer for mothers while fostering a unique bond with their children. Furthermore, families gain financially from the reduction in costs related to formula, bottles, and feeding supplies.
“Despite these well-documented benefits, the breastfeeding rate in Yobe State remains at a concerning 34% as reported in MICS 2021. Several factors contribute to this low rate, including inadequate support in healthcare settings, prevailing social stigma, and widespread misinformation about breastfeeding.
“This is precisely why World Breastfeeding Week is an essential opportunity for us to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for policies and programmes that support breastfeeding mothers and infants,” Dr. Kundi said.
The ES commended partners such as UNICEF, WFP, WHO, ACF, SCI, ALIMA, ROWYOD, GHIV AFRICA, FHI 360, MDF and TCDI for their supports which led to the success of the event.