Yobe govt, NGO enjoin stakeholders to bridge the existing gaps in breastfeeding

Yobe State Government in partnership with the Alive & Thrive initiative a Non Governmental Organization funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has tasked stakeholders in bridging the existing gaps in breastfeeding in their various communities.

Dr Babagana Kundi Machina, Executive Secretary, Yobe State Primary Health Care Management Board (PHCMB) made the call at occasion to mark 2022 breastfeeding week in Damaturu.
Machina said every first week of August is set aside by the United Nations to celebrate World breastfeeding week annually.

“Investing heavily in children especially those below the age of one is worth doing to have healthier and better developmental growth for Children.

According to him, scientifically Breast milk is a unique nutritional source that cannot be replaced by any other food.

He further commended Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for supporting the state government’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of its citizens.

Hadiza Maina Adam, state Nutrition Officer YSPHCB, said this year’s World Breastfeeding Week will focus on strengthening the capacity of actors that have to protect, promote and support breastfeeding across different levels of society.

Adam called on the mothers who attended the event to encourage those at home by showing the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

She added that the Target audience was government parastatals, health systems, workplaces and communities.

In remarks on behalf of humanitarian and development partners, Dr. Japheth Boss, state Coordinator Alive & Thrive appreciated the Yobe state government for creating an enabling environment for smooth operation and activities of all partners in the state.

“I wish to thank all partners and everyone for turning out in support of the state government to mark the WBW2022.

“The WBW 2022 theme: Step up for breastfeeding is a clarion call to everyone especially government and partners to do more”, he said.
While noting that the Yobe state government has done a lot in the implementation of baby friendly initiatives.

He said “now is the time for the state government to legislate the six months maternity and two weeks paternity leave entitlements for workers in the state”.
He further assured the state government of their continuous support to protect ,promote and support exclusive breastfeeding and other optimal feeding practices for improve health and wellbeing of mothers, children across the state.