The UN Children Fund (UNICEF) has advised the Kano government to provide adequate resources for preventing malnutrition by promoting, protecting and supporting maternal, infant and young child nutrition.

The UNICEF Kano field officer, Rahama Farah, made the call on Wednesday during the flag-off of the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week in Kano.

Mr Farah called on the Kano government to extend paid maternity leave for government employees from three to six months, emphasising the importance of breastfeeding.

The UNICEF officer said the government should reinforce good nutrition and health messages during the first 1,000 days of a baby’s life through various platforms, including media, public spaces and workplaces.

Mr Farah tasked the Kano government to prioritise the needs of working parents through the provision of lactation rooms and crèches in all ministries, departments and agencies and implement breastfeeding breaks and flexible work arrangements.

“Taking these steps, workplaces can set a positive example for others to follow, ultimately leading to healthier and happier families. There’s a need for working mothers and parents to advocate for their right to breastfeed while advancing their careers,” Mr Farah explained. “They should seek support from their employers and create a breastfeeding plan that suits their needs.”

Mr Farah advised that “as nursing mothers, you should prioritise self-care and explore strategies like expressing milk to ensure your child receives the best nourishment possible, even while you are at work.”

Health commissioner Abubakar Labaran stated that the Kano government “is looking into elongating maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers from three months to six months,” and the government “has been doing a lot to prevent the malnutrition of our children.”

(NAN)