The Honorable Commissioner of Health, Edo State, Dr. Samuel Alli elucidated the significance of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), an annual event celebrated during the month of August.
Dr. Samuel Alli reiterated the paramount significance of breastfeeding as a key part of this game for the well-being of infants and young children within our society.
The emphasis was expressed in a recent press briefing on the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week celebration held on Friday, August 11, 2023. at Edo State Ministry of Health Conference Room, Benin City.
World Breastfeeding Week is a collaborative effort orchestrated by prominent entities including the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, governments, non-governmental organizations, and various other stakeholders.
The 2023 theme, “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents,” resonates strongly with the global thematic area of the Four WBW SDG 2030 Campaigns.
The theme underscores the need to create an environment that supports breastfeeding, both in the workplace and the community with protection provided through governmental policies and laws.
According to the Hon Commissioner of Health, beyond its nutritional value, breastfeeding serves as a powerful tool for the nurturing and protection of infants, offering sustenance from the very first moments of life up until the age of two and beyond. This natural practice not only fosters physical health but also contributes to the emotional bond between mother and child.
Suffice it to state that the Edo State Ministry of Health, in harmony with the recommendations put forth by WHO and UNICEF, stands firmly in support of optimal infant and young child feeding practices. Among these practices, the early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth emerges as a cornerstone for building a foundation of health for newborns.
The Edo State Ministry of Health stressed the importance of early breastfeeding, which kickstarts the infant’s immune system, provides essential nutrients, and sets the stage for lifelong health benefits.
“As a government, we are committed to achieving at least 50% exclusive breastfeeding of children by the year 2025, in line with the World Health Assembly Resolution.
“The present administration of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, is intensifying efforts to ensure an enabling work environment, including health facilities, social structures that support mothers and their families in breastfeeding and optimal infant and young child feeding practices.
“These measures will in no doubt save mothers and their newborn babies from factors that contribute to diseases and death,” Dr. Alli stated.
Dr. Ali also highlighted the efforts of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in aligning with global standards for infant and young child feeding practices. The Agency’s commitment to promoting breastfeeding features its dedication to ensuring that the right start in life is provided to every child born in Edo State.
He announced that the implementation of the 2023 MNCHW programme will commence from 25th to 29th August 2023 with one day mop up. In his words, “We encourage Mothers/caregivers and the good people of Edo State to go to the designated health facility in the 18 LGAs to maximize full benefits of this Nutrition programme.”
On the whole, Dr. Ali commended the efforts of the State Government, Edo State Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, and EDSPHCDA for setting the right structure for the implementation of health services at the grassroots level.
In attendance at the press briefing were key stakeholders including the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA, Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, and EDSPHCDA Directors, Edo State Ministry of Health Directors, Staff and Technical Partners, State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Phil-imade Amenze N.
