Nigeria has broken the world record for the highest number of lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously as 31,250 mothers breastfed their babies, across the country in one day, the Federal Ministry of Health has indicated
Permanent Secretary and Director of Nutrition in the Ministry, Daju Kachollom Shagti spoke at the flag-off and World Breastfeeding Record Initiative at Abuja Continental Hotel
The 2024 Breastfeeding Week is themed: Closing the Gap, Break the Record, Break Barriers: Breastfeeding Support for All.
According to the Permanent secretary the target was put at 30,000 however, they achieve 31,250 mothers breastfeeding their babies across Nigeria in one day.
“There was a count down and this was done between the Federal and the subnationals, states.
She thanked the states for the support adding that it is a move towards a better collaboration between the National and the subnational level.
She encouraged mothers to breastfeed their babies exclusively from 0-6 months, from one hour after birth to the age of 6months and 2years if possible
This she said will aid in their growth and will actually stop infections, for any child with infection and it will even support the mother, make the mother closer to the child
“We are not only here in the FCT, we are across the 36 states of the Federation, in each state working hard to break a world record to support breastfeeding for women.
“We all know the importance of breastfeeding for children, especially for the first six months, exclusive breastfeeding. “It is for the men, for the government, and for the society. Because if you do not give them the support, they will not be able to breastfeed their children.
And we have noticed that during emergencies, that human milk, which contains a lot of antibodies, and can fight infection, actually helps. “Breastfeeding is equally important as a public health issue because it promotes health, it prevents diseases, it contributes to reducing health inequalities.
“In Nigeria, over the years, at the last multiple indicator survey of 2021, it showed that only 34% of our children between the ages zero to six months are exclusively breastfed.
“And so the Federal Ministry of Health has come to you and has been working with our partners over the years to make you understand the importance of breastfeeding.
She explained further that breastfeeding is not just a food, it is also a means of providing food for your children to eat.
“The Nigerian government through the Federal Ministry of Health is committed to supporting, protecting and promoting breastfeeding as a veritable means towards eradication of malnutrition in all its forms.
“And as such, the government has demonstrated commitment to providing the best care for newborns, infants and young children through huge investment in training programs for different levels of health professionals, doctors, nurses, midwives, nutritionists, community health workers and so many others.
“This is because we understand the importance that we all play, especially in supporting women to breastfeed. And for them to do this, you must give them the knowledge, you must educate them, so that they will know the different methods of feeding, of lactating, as well as encouraging them against the stigmatization of breastfeeding in the open.
“As we celebrate this Breastfeeding Week, I urge all political leaders, policy makers, legislators, women, men, religious leaders, families, friends, private sector, workplaces, to take responsibility and join hands to raise awareness on the issue of the huge benefits of breastfeeding and support mothers to practice optimal breastfeeding for the good of our country.
“We are all actors and we can work together to close the gap in breastfeeding support and reduce inequalities.
In a goodwill message, UNICEF Country Representative Chritian Munduate said
“It gives me immense pleasure to stand before you today on this momentous occasion as we attempt the world record for the highest number of women breastfeeding simultaneously. “We are gathered, not just, to break a world record; but we are here to make history and send a powerful message to the world about the importance of breastfeeding.
“First, I would like to extend my gratitude to the First Lady, for being a Champion for breastfeeding and nutrition, and to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for their unwavering support and collaboration.
“Your leadership and commitmen towards improving maternal and child health and nutrition in Nigeria are trul commendable.
“In closing, I want to reiterate UNICEF’s steadfast commitment to supporting Nigeria in its journey towards better child health and nutrition. Let today be a milestone in our collective efforts to ensure that every child has the best start in life.”
The representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Abuja, said
“As we gather to attempt a groundbreaking feat setting a World Record for the most lactating women breastfeeding simultaneously we demonstrate our collective resolve to promote and support breastfeeding.
“This event is a testament to our dedication to closing the gap in breastfeeding support and ensuring that all mothers can breastfeed with confidence.
“We commend the organizers and partners for their tireless efforts in promoting breastfeeding and supporting mothers.
“We pledge our continued support and commitment to: Strengthening policies and programs that promote breastfeeding, Enhancing access to quality breastfeeding support and counseling and Encouraging community engagement and societal support for breastfeeding
“Together, let us celebrate the power of breastfeeding and work towards a future where every mother can breastfeed with ease and confidence.”