Megan Smith
Fri, Aug 25, 2023 6:40 PM

Jigawa State Primary Health Development Agency Takes Action to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding

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Jigawa State Primary Health Development Agency Takes Action to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding
Jigawa State Primary Health Development Agency (JSPHDA) has established a special team to address the challenges surrounding exclusive breastfeeding. In an effort to promote this essential practice, the team will tackle cultural and traditional obstacles that hinder the adoption of exclusive breastfeeding in the state. The agency emphasizes the need for support from husbands, partners, religious leaders, and traditional leaders to enhance acceptance and uptake of exclusive breastfeeding. The goal is to create a healthier future for infants, mothers, fathers, and the entire community.

The challenges of exclusive breastfeeding in Jigawa State are being tackled head-on by the Jigawa State Primary Health Development Agency (JSPHDA). A special team has been set up to address and overcome the cultural and traditional challenges that hinder the widespread adoption of exclusive breastfeeding in the state.

Dr Kabiru Ibrahim, the permanent secretary of the primary healthcare development agency, revealed this during a media roundtable held as part of the World Breastfeeding Week celebrations in the state. The theme for this year's celebration is 'Let Exclusive Breastfeeding Work While at Work'.

Dr Kabiru Ibrahim highlighted the significant role cultural and traditional practices play in inhibiting the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to promote and support exclusive breastfeeding, calling on husbands (fathers), partners, religious leaders, and traditional leaders to play active roles in improving acceptance and practice of this medically recommended feeding practice for newborns in the state.

Exclusive breastfeeding is crucial for the overall well-being of infants, mothers, fathers, and the community at large. Dr Kabiru Ibrahim urged fathers (husbands) to encourage mothers (wives) to embrace exclusive breastfeeding, noting that the extension of maternity leave from three to six months was implemented to provide mothers with more opportunities and time to breastfeed their babies.

The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are numerous and far-reaching. For infants, it helps build strong immunity and provides robust protection against child killer diseases. Mothers benefit from reduced risks of breast cancer, time savings, and various other advantages. Fathers, too, experience economic advantages as exclusive breastfeeding enhances the child's cognitive abilities, contributing to the overall development of the family and community.

The call for an extension of maternity leave from three to six months in Jigawa State was made by Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, the wife of the Jigawa governor, during the flag-off ceremony of the World Breastfeeding Week celebration. The extended duration is intended to facilitate exclusive breastfeeding and support the health and well-being of infants and mothers.

The JSPHDA's commitment to addressing the challenges surrounding exclusive breastfeeding is commendable. By encouraging a supportive environment and raising awareness about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, Jigawa State is taking significant strides towards improving infant health and community development. Together, with concerted efforts from all stakeholders, the goal of promoting exclusive breastfeeding can be achieved, leading to a healthier and brighter future for the state.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-25 News

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