Saidu Birnin Kebbi
Standup for Women Society, (SWS), Kebbi State Chapter, has called on governments at all levels to create enabling environments for lactating mothers by increasing maternity leave, building crèches in workplaces and implementing policies that will support exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
The Chairperson, SWS, Hajia Khadijat Saidu made the remark while briefing newsmen as part of its activities to Mark the World Breast feeding week in Birnin Kebbi.
She explained that Breastfeeding is one of the cost-effective interventions for the prevention of deaths in children under five years old.
The Colostrum, the first milk a mother produces, is the most potent natural immune system booster known to science, lactating mothers are therefore encouraged to give it to their babies immediately after delivery, she noted
“Exclusive breastfeeding is the best source of nourishment for infants and young children, and a proven lifesaving strategy.
“It helps protect children against several childhood illnesses, such as diarrhea and pneumonia and impact positively on children, mothers and the society in general,” she asserted.
The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Protect Breastfeeding, A Shared Responsibility”
The Chairperson therefor called stakeholders to support and take action to achieve the goals of the week in other to improve the health of infants by promoting, protecting, and supporting the rights of women to breastfeed anywhere and at any time.
Hence, SWS joins the world to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week 2021 and called for the implementation of policies that protect and support exclusive breastfeeding and optimal breastfeeding practices, which is key to improved child survival, development, and contributes to Nigeria’s attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.
