By Emmanuel Kwada
A recent media engagement session organized by UNICEF in Yola, Adamawa state, highlighted the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of birth. Parents and religious leaders shared their experiences and benefits of the practice, which promotes physical and mental health in children.
Malam Aliyu Abubakar, a resident of Yola, credited exclusive breastfeeding for the health and strength of his 11 children. Alhaji Abubakar Jika, District Head of Nyibango, emphasized the significance of breastfeeding in expanding a child’s mental capacity.
Religious leaders, including Pastor David Simon and Chief Imam Bashir Tahir Imam Yola, stressed the importance of breastfeeding, citing scriptural references and Islamic teachings.
The session aimed to encourage journalists to tell compelling stories that promote exclusive breastfeeding, ultimately improving the health and well-being of children in the North East
UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Philomena Irene, presented data on low breastfeeding rates in the region and emphasized the need to engage fathers and grandmothers in promoting exclusive breastfeeding.
The session aimed to encourage journalists to tell compelling stories that promote exclusive breastfeeding, ultimately improving the health and well-being of children in the North East.
The event featured presentations and discussions on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, as well as the challenges and solutions to promoting the practice. Participants included journalists, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, and community influencers.
Pastor David Simon and Chief Imam Bashir Tahir Imam Yola shared their perspectives on the religious significance of breastfeeding, emphasizing its importance in both Christianity and Islam.
UNICEF’s Philomena Irene emphasized the importance of engaging fathers and grandmothers in promoting exclusive breastfeeding, as they are key decision-makers in the family.
She also highlighted the need for a supportive environment and access to accurate information to encourage mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding.
Pastor David Simon and Chief Imam Bashir Tahir Imam Yola shared their perspectives on the religious significance of breastfeeding, emphasizing its importance in both Christianity and Islam.
The event concluded with a call to action, urging participants to spread awareness about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and to support mothers in practicing it.
In a related development, UNICEF has launched a campaign to promote exclusive breastfeeding in the North East, targeting fathers, grandmothers, and other influencers. The campaign aims to address the low rates of exclusive breastfeeding in the region and promote healthy growth and development in children.
Overall, the event and campaign highlight the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in promoting healthy life in the North East, and the need for a collaborative effort to support mothers and families in practicing it.
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