Abia tops exclusive breastfeeding table

Abia is engaging 170 counsellors and providing 54 hospitals with baby-friendly facilities to promote exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers, said Mercy Orji, first lady of the state.“Exclusive breastfeeding remains a key tool in decreasing infant mortality rates, and preventing 13% of deaths among children aged zero to 59 months, as breast milk contains all nutrients […]

Abia is engaging 170 counsellors and providing 54 hospitals with baby-friendly facilities to promote exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers, said Mercy Orji, first lady of the state.
“Exclusive breastfeeding remains a key tool in decreasing infant mortality rates, and preventing 13% of deaths among children aged zero to 59 months, as breast milk contains all nutrients required for infant growth and development,” she said at an event marking Breastfeeding Week.
About 80 breastfeeding support groups have undergone training across the state, said Eme Onyekaba, permanent secretary at Abia health ministry.
Nursing mothers anonymously told Daily Trust they are convinced breast milk helped their babies ward off diseases as diarrhoea.
Chinwe Ekeh, coordinator of Baby Friendly Initiative, said the practice required regular day-to-day support for mothers.