World Breastfeeding Week: NAFDAC reiterates exclusive breastfeeding for first six months
The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Kaduna has advised nursing and lactating mothers to place their babies below age five on exclusive breastfeeding.
The Kaduna state coordinator of the agency, Nasiru Mato, said, on Wednesday that that exclusive breastfeeding would prepare such children for healthy living.
Mr Mato also urged nursing mothers’ strict compliance to market Breast Milk Substitutes (BMS) to aid infant’s nutrition.
He said that this would protect infants and young children’s feeding through promotion, protection and support for exclusive breastfeeding.
He described breast milk as a natural and God-given food that is full of nourishment for babies and a balanced diet for optimum healthy growth for infants.
Mr Mato said that exclusive breastfeeding begins within the first one hour after delivery and is expected to continue uninterrupted for the first six months.
He said that research had also proven that breastfeeding helps to eradicate the development of breast tumours in a lactating mother.
“This year’s theme for the breastfeeding week celebration calls for all-around support and encouragement of exclusive breastfeeding for greater outcomes.
“Marketers of Breast Milk Substitutes (BMS) must ensure that they play the game by the rule so as not to violate the code of BMS as this will attract serious sanctions from NAFDAC.
“NAFDAC will continue to sensitise, enlighten and monitor lactating mothers on exclusive breastfeeding so that they will do it right for them to get it right.
“We must pull all our strengths together in this feat for optimal results,” Mr Mato said.
He urged healthcare providers, medical professionals as well as traditional institutions at all levels to continue to support NAFDAC through robust collaboration in order to achieve the desired results.
This year’s theme for the breastfeeding week is “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility.”
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Health
Only 58,000 out of 130,000 registered doctors renewed licence: MDCN
MDCN says only 58,000 doctors renewed their annual practice licence out of the 130,000 registered doctors in the country.
Africa
UN calls for international participation in fighting sexual violence in Sudan
UN officials are calling for more international engagement to combat sexual violence against women and girls in the Sudan conflict.
World
Ukraine court orders arrest of agriculture minister over $7 million fraud
Mr Solsky had tendered his resignation earlier on Thursday but technically remains in his post until parliament considers his request.
Economy
IMF: Nigeria, 11 other countries seek affordable financing, structural reforms
The ACG comprises the IMF governors of a subset of 12 African countries belonging to the African Caucus (African finance ministers and central bank governors) and IMF management.
Africa
ECOWAS holds strategic peace talk with African Union
ECOWAS has held a strategic peace talk with the AU to integrate and implement the African Union Accountability and Compliance Framework into peacekeeping missions.
Economy
Experts decry challenges in ICT industry, suggest solutions
An expert says Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit and rising equipment costs are stalling the growth of the country’s information and communication technology industry.