By Mohammed Abubakar,
Damauturu
Yobe State government has condemned the low rate of breastfeeding children in the state.
It also lamented that breastfeeding initiation rate was very low at 12.6 per cent in the state.
The Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, disclosed this at the breastfeeding week organized by the Yobe State Primary Health Care Management Board through the State Nutrition Committee under the chairmanship of the Secretary to the Yobe State Government at Damaturu.
Wali said that despite International recommendations and efforts in the field, only 27.3 per cent of all babies under six months were exclusively breastfed, stressing that 22 per cent continue breastfeeding up to 24 months.
The SSG however advised: “Increasing our support to optimal breastfeeding according to the recommendations could prevent many child and maternal deaths in the state.
“Together, we can achieve a win-win situation for humanity and the planet by aligning national and international policies and guidance on breastfeeding and infant and young child feeding with SDG agenda and other environmental /climate initiative; raise awareness among decision makers to recognize the contribution of breastfeeding to food security and environmental sustainability and the need to invest; sensitize journalists and the media to stimulate public debate on the links between breastfeeding and the environment /climate change; engage school children, students, youths and social media influencers to spread awareness of the importance of breastfeeding for planetary earth.”
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretaries of Political Affairs, Establishment, Administration and General Services, Executive Secretary, Yobe State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr. Babagana Kundi Machina, Director of Public Health, Yobe State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr Hauwa Larai Goni, Directors from the State Primary Health Care Management Board and representatives of health-related development partners in the state.
Highlight of the event is the showcase of baby show by caregivers and presentation of gifts to breastfeeding mothers by the SSG, which was presided over by the State Nutrition Officer, Hajiya Fatima Maina Bukar.
The theme for this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is: “Support World Breastfeeding Week for a Healtheir Planet”.
