Borno state commits to reaching a 50% exclusive breastfeeding rate by 2024

Ibrahim Umar
Kanempress
3rd, August,2023

The Ministry of Health and human services in Borno State has set a target of achieving a 50% exclusive breastfeeding rate by 2024 aligning with the goals set by the World Health Assembly. Dr Mohammed Ghuluze the Permanent Secretary of the ministry made this announcement during the commencement of the World Breastfeeding Week in Maiduguri. The theme for this year’s event is “Let’s make breastfeeding and work work!”

Dr Ghuluze emphasized that Borno state currently has a 40% exclusive breastfeeding rate and aims to increase this figure to 50% by promoting the importance of breastfeeding among working mothers. The ministry aims to support these women in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding for their infants for the recommended duration of six months.

By focusing on the harmonization of breastfeeding and work the Ministry of Health hopes to create an enabling environment that allows mothers to breastfeed their babies effectively while still fulfilling work responsibilities This recognizes the role breastfeeding plays in the health wellbeing of both infants and mothers and seeks to encourage more mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding as a vital part of early childhood development.

According to a recent statement issued by a government official Borno state is taking urgent measures to safeguard promote and encourage optimal infant and young child feeding. These actions include implementing legislative protections raising awareness in the community and providing support from healthcare workers and the health system through initiatives like the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) and other similar programs.

Studies have shown that women who have less than three months of maternity leave are more likely to have shorter breastfeeding durations compared to those with longer periods of leave. Currently Borno state already offers four months of maternity leave for working women. However the government is determined to ensure that every child in the state is exclusively breastfed for a full six months.

By reinforcing the importance of breastfeeding and enacting supportive measures the government of Borno state aims to improve the health and well-being of infants and young children in the region. These initiatives will not only benefit the children themselves but also contribute to the overall development and progress of the state.

This year’s observance of World Breastfeeding Week aims to mobilize the nation across various sectors including the private sector to enhance existing breastfeeding facilities establish new ones in areas lacking them and explore the potential implementation of policies that support breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.

Despite some improvement in the state’s breastfeeding indicators there is still room for progress to meet the global public health recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for six months followed by appropriate complementary feeding and continued breastfeeding for at least two years (or more) as advised by the World Health Assembly resolution 54.2.

“Women, therefore, need continued support from the Government, health system, workplaces and communities to play their critical roles in empowering them and sustaining breastfeeding-friendly environments,” said Ghuluze.