Abakaliki, Nigeria – Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, wife of Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, has called on men to provide the necessary support to their Breastfeeding spouses.
Mrs Nwifuru, founder of Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally- Displaced Persons Foundation (BERWO), made this known on Wednesday to mark the 2024 Breastfeeding Week.
BERWO is in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health to commemorate the week-long activity in the state.
She also recommended the involvement and support of families, societies and organisations to provide essential health and nutrients and build a strong immune system in children was crucial.
The Governor’s wife stated that breastfeeding was not always easy as many mothers are faced with challenges to include; lack of knowledge, social stigma, and inadequate support from their families, workplaces and communities.
“It is our collective responsibility to address these barriers and ensure that every mother in the state has the support she needs to breastfeed successfully.
“Closing the gap in breastfeeding support requires a collective effort.
“By working together, we can create an environment where every mother feels empowered to breastfeed and every child has the opportunity to thrive.
“Let us continue to champion the cause of breastfeeding, not just during this week but every day, as we strive to build a healthier and more supportive state for a better society,” Nwifuru stated.
The Commissioner for Health, Mr Moses Ekuma, while educating mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding, commended Mrs Nwifuru for making the programme a life-touching event.
Ekuma, who was represented by Mr Sabinus Nwibo, the Special Assistant to the governor on Primary Health, encouraged mothers to practice proper exclusive breastfeeding.
Mr Uchenna Onwe, representative of Helen Keller International, advocated for breastfeeding space and time to ensure its success.
According to Onwe, Nigeria won the 2024 guinness world book of record in breastfeeding, adding that about 31,250 mothers were nursing their babies at the same time .
He further disclosed that the foundation were significantly improving the lives of women, children and other medical support.
“We are preaching that in every sector, there should always be a breastfeeding space that is made comfortable for the mothers to breastfeed their children,” Onwe said.
Mr Danladi Ndahi, representative of the World Health Organisation, appreciated the state government for their commitment in ensuring that health policies with increasing universal health coverage is achieved.
Ndahi described the 2024 edition of the week as timely and stated that spouses, families and communities have a role to play in closing the gap in breastfeeding support for all.
Mrs Jane Kamani, a breastfeeding mother, described her experience as successful.
“My child have never been sick or taken to hospital because I decided to make success out of the practice and build a strong immune system for my child,” Kamani said.
The event featured the distribution of diapers, bathing and drawer sets, towels, other baby items to mothers.
