Benue govt flags off activities in IDP camp

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Benue State Government, through the state ministry of Health and that of Women Affairs, have flagged off activities to mark the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) at Daudu Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs’) camp, in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The WBW is usually celebrated from August 1 to 7 every year, and the theme for 2024 celebration is “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.”

Speaking during the World Breastfeeding Record for Simultaneous Breastfeeding and 2024 World Breastfeeding Week Flag-off, the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanmar Ortese, noted that in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and line agencies, ministries, and partners, UNICEF Nigeria proposed a groundbreaking initiative to support the Nigeria government in achieving a world record for the most lactating women breastfeeding simultaneously.

He said the project aims to gather at least 30,000 lactating women across 30 major cities, Abuja inclusive and selected IDPs’ camps, exceeding the current record of 21,000 held by the Philippines in 2013.

The initiative, he said, aims to raise awareness about exclusive breastfeeding, address harmful nutrition practices, specifically the introduction of water in the first six months of life, and ultimately support the achievement of the World Health Assembly’s (WHA) global target of increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding to at least 50 percent by 2025.

Ortese who acknowledged the already increasing rate of exclusive breastfeeding by Benue mothers said the state intends to increase the rate from 56.8 to 90 percent by the year 2025.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Beatrice Tsavmbu, described breastfeeding as one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival, saying it provides essential nutrients, strengthens the immune system, and fosters a unique bond between mother and child.

He lamented the obstacles facing breastfeeding mothers, including lack of information and support, as well as societal norms and workplace barriers, pledging that the state would leverage the flag-off ceremony to promote key messages across the state and communities.

He appreciated UNICEF and all healthcare professionals, community leaders, and organisations working towards promoting and supporting breastfeeding mothers, urging families, communities and workplaces to do their part to make the week a pivotal moment for change and support for all mothers and children.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Anna Itodo, urged mothers to exclusively breastfeed their children to achieve the full benefits.

Represented by the Director of Social Welfare, Eunice Tachia, Itodo said the advantages of breastfeeding extend beyond infancy as it lays a strong foundation for their healthier future.

While she harped on the need to empower mothers with accurate information about the benefits of breastfeeding and dispel any harmful myths or misconceptions that may prevent them from embracing the life-saving practice, Itodo commended Governor Alia for supporting the programme and improving the health and well-being of mothers and children in the state.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Benue State Primary Health Care Board (BPHCB), Grace Wende, explained that the event was to enlighten breastfeeding mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding and encouraged them to practise it.

Wende also explained that as part of measures to encourage women to give birth in the hospital, the N5,000 fee that was hitherto paid for child delivery at the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) has been scrapped, hence, delivery at the centres is free.

She said: “The result is that more women are giving birth in hospitals, and are also registering the birth of the children, as well as having safer child births.”

The District Head of Mbawa, Guma LGA, Joseph Ortese appreciated UNICEF and Benue State Government for the programme, and urged the women to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for their good and that of their children.

In their testimonies, some of the breastfeeding mothers at the event, Salome Fesue, Mnena Tyolumun, Christiana Aondowase and Mercy Wuese, enumerated the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and enjoined others to emulate them.

Over 800 breastfeeding mothers were present at the event.