Dr Mrs Soludo flags off world exclusive breastfeeding week, calls for zero water campaign.

Dr Mrs Soludo flags off world exclusive breastfeeding week, calls for zero water campaign.

By Emmy Young 

As the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) celebration kicks off on the 1st August, the Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo has urged the people of Idemili South Local Government to become advocates of exclusive breastfeeding and support mothers to practice optimal breastfeeding for the good of the State.

Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike at the flag off ceremony in Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Headquarters said that this year edition of WBW with the Global theme Let's make breastfeeding and work, work: Women should not have to choose between breastfeeding their children and their work.

The Commissioner's speech reiterated the Governor's wife commitment towards supporting exclusive breastfeeding in the State noting that, “the Anambra State Ministry of Health remains committed to support, protect and promote breastfeeding as a veritable means towards eradication of childhood malnutrition in all its forms. 

He remarked that with the Pet project of Dr Mrs Soludo tagged Nonye's Healthy living which have impacted on the people through the health awareness campaign while commending Hon Amaka Obi for her exemplary leadership.

Earlier in her address, the Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon Obi Amaka Iyom  said that the ceremony was in a bid to create awareness, promote and sustain exclusive breastfeeding, especially for infant’s health and survival, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency ASPHCDA and Anambra State Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF and partners launched exclusive breastfeeding and zero water campaign.

Hon Amaka Obi seizes the opportunity to remind nursing mother's and expectant mothers that World Breastfeeding Week is a time to revisit the commitments to prioritizing breastfeeding-friendly environments for mothers and babies.

Hon. Amaka Obi added, “we would also continue to work with the traditional and community leaders to ensure success is achieved. And I would like to appreciate WHO and partners for their continual support in ensuring that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding is increased in Anambra.

On her part, the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) Pharm Chisom Uchem, noted that Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years and beyond, provides an infant the best start possible to life. Breast milk is safe and clean and provides the energy and nutrients an infant need for the first few months of life. It continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of first year.

She added that early initiation of breastfeeding, within one hour of birth, protects the newborn from infectious and chronic diseases, and reduces newborn mortality. It facilitates emotional bonding of mother and baby and has a positive impact on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and called for extensive support of  the zero-water campaign, and added that while tradition may argue that a child needs water, all the quantity needed is contained in the mother’s breast milk. 

Others who spoke during the event affirmed that is the right of every child to be breastfed and reiterated that fact that it. It is not just the responsibility of the mother but rather a shared responsibility.

Also, at the launch of the campaign in Ojoto were, the the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr Simon Onyemachi, Head Department of Nursing Science Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, Dr Ada Ibekwe, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, Ms Arinze Ujunwa, Director Public Health, State Ministry of Health, Dr Afam Anaeme, PHC Director Idemili South L.G Authority, Mrs Florence Ojukwu, PHC Director Aguata L.G Health Authority, Dr Obiadazie Okwudili, PHC Ekwusigo L.G Health Authority, Mrs Aganama Uju, PHC Director Ogbaru L.G Health Authority, Mrs Ukaegbu Ngozi 

Others were Representatives of Anambra State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ezechukwu Chioma, Deputy Mayor of Idemili South Local Government Area, Engr Omaka Anthony, Traditional Traditional Ruler of Nnobi and his Nnokwa counterpart ably represented by Prince Obi and Chief P.M Ibekwe, APGA Local Government Chairman, Hon. Kizito Anoliefo, Lady Patricia Nkedilim (JP. FCPA) HLGA Idemili South South, Olieh A.I (JP. FCPA) Head of Personal Management Idemili South, ward Councilor's amongst others.

Highlights of the event was the presentation of gifts to the Governors wife and five babies who weighed above 10kg as an encouragement to promote exclusive breastfeeding.