‘Breastfeeding aids SDGs attainment’

The Medical Director of the State House Medical Centre, Dr.  Yakasai Munir, has said that exclusive breastfeeding will aid the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stated this during the Baby Show organized by the  hospital to commemorate this year’s World Breast Feeding Week. Represented by the Head of the Pediatrics Department and […]

The Medical Director of the State House Medical Centre, Dr.  Yakasai Munir, has said that exclusive breastfeeding will aid the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He stated this during the Baby Show organized by the  hospital to commemorate this year’s World Breast Feeding Week.
Represented by the Head of the Pediatrics Department and Chairman Clinical Services of the hospital, Dr Maryam Keshinro, he  said the hospital had been organizing the annual Baby Show since the last 17 years.
He added that it is aimed at showcasing the achievements and successes of supporting breastfeeding and to reward mothers who have excelled in breastfeeding.
Wife of the president, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, in her address enjoined Nigerians to support breastfeeding mothers and encourage the sustenance of breastfeeding as a norm in families, communities and the nation.
Represented by the wife of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Hajiya Maryam Mohammed Bello, she said the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Breastfeeding : A key to sustainable development” emphasizes the immense contributions of breastfeeding to sustainable development by ensuring good nutrition, healthy growth and development, food security and child survival.
“Breastfeeding is the foundation of the future of the child. It is the right of every child. It should commence immediately after birth and should be exclusive for the first six months of life and thereafter continue on till at least the age of two years,” she said.
Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr Jalal Arabi  called on husbands, families and other stakeholders to give women the support they need to properly breastfeed their children.
The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director Administration, Mohammed Abubakar promised that the hospital would support efforts that promote exclusive breastfeeding by mothers.
A mother whose baby won this year’s edition of the Baby Show, Mrs Ifeoma Onwusika said exclusive breastfeeding enhances the bond between mother and child , saying that since she gave birth to the baby  in July last year, she never had cause to take the baby to hospital for vomiting nor any other ailment.