The Federal ministry of health
has insisted on its plan to achieve by 2018 a 50% exclusive breastfeeding which
is in line with the National Strategic Plan on Nutrition.
Speaking to the News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) forum Abuja, ahead of the commemoration of the 2017 World
Breastfeeding Week, the Desk officer Infant and Young Child Feeding/Nutrition of
the ministry, Grace Mojekwu was positive
about the Ministry’s effort as she stated that plans and policies were already in place to ensure that this is achieved.
about the Ministry’s effort as she stated that plans and policies were already in place to ensure that this is achieved.
Mojekwu said, “The federal
government has a policy that says nursing mothers should breast feed
exclusively for six months and thereafter, complementary feeding can be
introduced while breastfeeding is sustained for two years.
However, we have discovered that
some mothers give water, formulas and even herbs to their new born and that is
why the right message must get to the communities at the grassroots.
The regulation of Code for
marketing breast milk substitute such as formulas
and canned foods for infants
is still in force, and NAFDAC is regulating that presently.
Which means infants food
manufactures cannot sell or advertise their products to nursing mothers and in
health facilities.”
Mojekwu also insisted that
exclusive breastfeeding campaign will be carried out in health facilities, in
communities and also workplaces in order that professionals are trained as
regards this move.
Ms Mojekwu also spoke on the diet
of nursing mothers as she encouraged them to eat diets that are balanced as
this will help achieve wonderful results in their babies.
Olubumi Aiyedun, the National
President, National Association of Nigeria Pediatric Nurses was also present
at the forum and she stated that poor breastfeeding was due to poor support
from family members, husbands and cultural beliefs insisting that everyone has
a role to play in creating the right atmosphere for nursing mothers.
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