Expert says only 20% of women in Jigawa practice exclusive breastfeeding

By Maryam Alabira, Dutse

The Nutrition Manager of the United Nations Children Education Fund, (UNICEF), Field Office Kano, Alhadji Diop has indicated that only 20% of women in Jigawa practice exclusive breastfeeding
Diop who made the disclosure at the launch of the 2023 World breast feeding week held in Dutse, Jigawa State said breastfeeding is crucial not only for the children but also for the lactating mothers.

He said inline with the theme of the 2023 breastfeeding week “Enabling Breastfeeding-Making a Difference for Working Parents”, the policy makers need to respect the directive.

“Breastfeeding is not only a natural and beautiful act but also crucial for the health and well-being of children and mothers.

“It is essential to reflect on the progress we have made so far and the strides that still lies ahead in supporting our working parents”, he added.

He requested the Jigawa state government to address and promote breastfeeding support in workplace through extend paid maternity leave for government employees from the current 3-6 months.

He stressed that there is need for working parents to have provision of lactation rooms/creches in all Mimistries, Deoartments and Agencies.

“We can create a supportive environment that enables breastfeeding, fosters working life balance and ensure the health and happiness of our families”, Rihod said.

The Director of the Primary Health care Agency, Dr Ibrahim Kabiru, listed the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to include healthy child throughout his or her life.

“The child will grow with little or no diarrhea or vomiting as well as other illnesses. They will not have obesity, caugh or diabities when he or she grows up.

He said mothers who practice exclusive breastfeeding also have benefits such as prevention of breast cancer, uterus cancer and other breast diseases.

“In Jigawa state only 20% of women practice exclusive breastfeeding and about 80% of them do not breastfeed for more than four months without mixing with water”, Kabiru said.

The wife of the Jigawa state Governor, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi in her speech expressed concern over the inadequate knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding by women generally in the state.

The Jigawa first lady observed that early return to work after child birth and lack of conducive breastfeeding environment for the working mothers constitute major problem for the new born babies.