Abia first lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti says, the Abia State Government, through her office, is committed to promoting and supporting quality child and mother healthcare through exclusive breastfeeding, EBF in the state.
Mrs. Otti stated this Saturday evening during the occasion of the World Breastfeeding Week, describing breastfeeding as one of the best natural gifts a mother gives her baby in it’s first six months, which she said engenders love and dedication.
The Abia first lady highlighted the benefits of EBF to include “improved nutrition, reduction of childhood infections, enhanced immune system, better brain development as well as cost and economic effectiveness”, while promoting bonding between the child and the mother.
In her speech, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okoronkwo, “As a government, we are committed to doing our part to promote breastfeeding and support nursing mothers. We will do all within our purview to create widespread public awareness campaigns to encourage more mothers to embrace breastfeeding with its attendant benefits”.
Represented by her Director, Planning and Research, Dr. Mrs. Angela Ifeanacho, the Commissioner further noted, “This year’s theme, “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents” underscores the importance of supporting breastfeeding in the workplace and beyond. Of course, many working mothers including public servants, private sector employees, business women, traders, farmers etc, face challenges when it comes to breastfeeding.
“But the benefits of breastfeeding extend far beyond the individual mother and baby. In fact, breastfeeding plays a critical role in strengthening our entire society. By promoting breastfeeding, we can help to reduce healthcare costs, increase productivity, and promote gender equality.
“To achieve our goal of making breastfeeding and work, work, we must collaborate across sectors and engage in advocacy efforts at all levels. We must educate employers, policymakers, and the general public about the importance of breastfeeding and the need for greater support. We must also invest in research and innovation to develop new technologies and strategies that make breastfeeding easier and more accessible for all.
“There is stil much work to be done. We need your help to spread the word and mobilize our communines around this important cause. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all of our citizens.
“That is why we must work towards creating a more supportive environment for nursing mothers in the workplace. Employers can provide designated breastfeeding rooms, flexible break times, and other accommodations to enable mothers to continue breastfeeding while pursuing their careers”.
Also speaking, the Acting Executive Secretary, Abia State Primarily Healthcare Development Agency, ABSPHCDA Mrs. Meg Onwu disclosed that her agency has carried out a lot of programs to sensitize the public, particularly nursing mothers on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding through rallies and the mass media.
Expressing their gratitude, two nursing mothers from Ikwuano and Umuahia North LGAs who were among the lots that received gifts from Mrs. Otti, Mrs. Grace Modestus and Mrs. Favour Eze thanked the Abia first lady for her benevolence.
