Breastfeeding fights diseases, malnutrition among children globally, say WHO, UNICEF
Breastfeeding fights diseases, malnutrition among children globally, say WHO, UNICEF
By Njadvara MUSA, Maiduguri
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that breastfeeding is a powerful line of defence against diseases and all forms of child malnutrition and wasting.
According to the Organisation, less than 50 per cent of babies are breastfed in the first hour of life.
WHO Emergency Manager in Northeast, Dr Richard Lako disclosed this on Tuesday during the flag-off of 2022 World Breastfeeding Week in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He said that breastfeeding is an important factor, particularly in the setting of an emergency that guarantees safe nutritious and accessible food sources for babies and young children.
The breastfeeding week acts as the baby’s first vaccine to protect them from common childhood illnesses.
“Certain factors emotional stress, physical exhaustion, lack of space and privacy and poor sanitation experienced by mothers in an emergency setting; led to many babies missing the benefits of breastfeeding,” he said, adding that it helps the children to survive.
He warned that babies are more vulnerable to diseases and death.
Besides, he added that 44% of infants are only exclusively breastfed in the first six months of life, lamenting that; “This is below the WHO’s target of 50 per cent by 2025.”
He, therefore, called on donor governments, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and private sectors to invest in breastfeeding and support equipped healthcare centres and nutritional workers.
According to him, the support should include counselling for mothers on how to breastfeed their children.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Samuel Sesay also disclosed: “Exclusive breastfeeding plays an important role in managing the double burden of malnutrition and food insecurity.”
He explained that it provides children with the best start in life and the foundation for children to grow and nations to prosper.
“A study by UNICEF and the Ministry of Health in 2017 showed that inadequate and low rates of breastfeeding lead to 10 million avoidable cases of childhood diarrhoea and pneumonia,” he said, adding that more than 100,000 child deaths were also recorded during the period under review.
He noted that the investment of N1, 000 in supporting optimal breastfeeding can earn about N35, 000 for the economy of the country.
