The Osun government has called on mothers and caregivers in the state to embrace exclusive breastfeeding to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

The principal nutrition officer, State Primary Health Care Development Board, Akeem Shuti, made the call during a one-day public enlightenment meeting on breastfeeding and nutrition awareness for mothers and caregivers on Thursday in Osogbo.

The programme was organised by the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment.

Mr Shuti said exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months could reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women.

He added that when a mother practices exclusive breastfeeding, it also prevents newborns from developing jaundice and other diseases.

Mr Shuti noted that exclusive breastfeeding also supports brain development and optimal intellectual development.

“Exclusive breastfeeding plays a vital role in the lives of mothers and children. It also prevents sudden infant death syndrome.

“If a mother is able to exclusively breastfeed the baby, the baby will not suffer from sudden infant death syndrome,” he said.

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Yetunde Esan, said the state government expects mothers and caregivers to abide by the rule of exclusive breastfeeding after the programme.

Represented by Gbadebo Iyanda, the ministry’s director of development cooperation, Ms Esan said exclusive breastfeeding reduces sickness in children and also prevents unplanned pregnancy.

She added that if a mother practices exclusive breastfeeding, there would be no need for couples to buy infant formula, which reduces economic pressure.

The special adviser to the governor on public enlightenment, Eniola Odeniyi, said the state government would continue to sensitise mothers and caregivers to the importance of breastfeeding.

(NAN)