Nasarawa State Govt has planned to establishing a workplace environment that supports breastfeeding, allowing mothers to care for their infants.
The Permanent Secretary (PS), State Ministry of Health Dr. Jenet Angbazo made the disclosure, in Lafia at a press briefing shortly after a rally to commemorate this year’s-World-Breastfeeding-Week.
The rally organised by the ministry, has in attendance the First Lady Hajiya, Silifat Sule, State Head of Civil Service Barrister Abigail Waya, female Permanent Secretaries, Civil Society Organisations among others.
According to Dr Janet, the work-place challenges remained the common reason why women stop breastfeeding before the recommended period, saying it also addresses inequalities that stand in the way of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She clarified that this year’s theme centered on the combination of breastfeeding and employment, offering a strategic chance to promote crucial maternal rights that support breastfeeding.
Also speaking, The First Lady, Hajiya Silifat Sule, said the importance of breast milk to the development of the child cannot be overemphasized, hence the need for mothers to take it seriously.
Hajiya Silifat also emphasized that breast milk is a divine blessing with no replacement, thus urging mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding and continue nursing their children alongside solid foods after the initial six months.
Consequently, she urged parents to exercise caution when selecting caregivers and locations for their children, given the prevalence of malicious elements in the world today.
Receiving the team, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe said mothers should de-emphasised usage of any close Substitute apart from breast milk for their children.
Dr. Emmanuel Akabe added that the state government would create an enabling environment to support nursing mothers.
The Deputy Governor also maintained that the state government would workout the modality to increase the maternity leave to six months in order to help nursing mothers have sufficient time to feed their children.
COV/Aliyu Muraki/Lafia.
