Federal Ministry Of Health Reteriates Desire To Achieve 50% Exclusive Breastfeeding By 2018

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.

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.