Enugu Governor's Wife Advocates for Exclusive Breastfeeding for Babies

Enugu - The wife of the governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, has made a case for exclusive breastfeeding of babies, highlighting its role in promoting healthy growth and boosting their immune system. During a visit to the maternity ward of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, Enugu, Mrs. Mbah gifted childcare items and cash to nursing mothers and also cleared the medical bills of those with outstanding balances.

Mrs. Mbah assured that Governor Peter Mbah's administration had already planned to reform the health sector, making it more qualitative and affordable. The governor has also taken note of the need to improve the quality of maternal, infant, and child healthcare in the state.

Speaking to the nursing mothers, Mrs. Mbah said, "Exclusive and extended breastfeeding is not easy, but it is something you have to do. Your baby deserves to be well-breastfed. It boosts their immune system, and I have rarely needed to take my children to the hospital, except for immunization, because they were healthy. So, from my experience, I can tell you that breastfeeding really works. I encourage you to breastfeed your babies and forget about those who only breastfeed for two or three months."

The Chief Nursing Officer, Post-Natal Ward, Rosemary Osuoji, ESUT Teaching Hospital, expressed her gratitude for the gifts and cash presented to the nursing mothers. Mrs. Mbah also settled the medical bills of several postnatal mothers who had been discharged but couldn't afford their bills due to financial constraints.

The Permanent Secretary of the Enugu State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, shared that the government is working towards increasing the maternity leave period in the state from four to six months, allowing mothers more time to bond with their infants and implement the policy of exclusive breastfeeding.

Dr. Hyacinth Onah, the Chief Medical Director of ESUT Teaching Hospital, commended Mrs. Mbah for her generosity and encouraging words to the nursing mothers. He reiterated the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in promoting healthier children.

World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated annually from August 1 to 7 in over 120 countries, aims to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and encourage action towards fostering a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers.

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

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