Jigawa Gov’s Wife, UNICEF Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

Mika’il Tsoho

As part of effort to promote exclusive breastfeeding, the wife of Jigawa state governor, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi has called for the provision of breastfeeding-friendly spaces at both public and private workplaces.

Hajiya Hadiza made the call at the launching of the 2023 world breastfeeding week organised Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency ( JSPHDA) with support from UNICEF and held at manpower development Institute Dutse.

According to her, breastfeeding as the best practice to save both mothers and babies from many risk added that, babies who received liquids and food before six months are at greater risk of diarrhea and respiratory infections.

She identified some challenges that hinder the breastfeeding of infants in the country as inadequate knowledge among lactating mothers on the benefits of breast milk, early return to work after childbirth, and lack of a conducive breastfeeding environment, especially for working mothers among others.

The wife of the governor, therefore, called on Jigawa state government to implement six months of maternity for mothers and two weeks of paternity leave for husbands.

Hajiya Hadiza Namadi also urged for the provision of breastfeeding-friendly spaces at public and private workplaces and to get more support from public and private workplaces for the protection and promotion of exclusive breastfeeding.

While making his remarks at the occasion, the Chief UNICEF field office Kano, Mr. Rahama Rihod Mohammed Farah urged stakeholders to embark on more awareness on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the state.

“Breastfeeding is not only a natural and beautiful act but also crucial for the health and well-being of children and mothers, it is essential to reflect on the progress we have made so far and the strides that still lie ahead in supporting our working parents,” he said.

He then assured more support to Jigawa state’s fight against five child killer diseases as well as to improve and save the lives of children in Jigawa state.