By Tony Okafor
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Anambra State Ministry of Health and UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office convened a two-day zonal media dialogue, rallying journalists from Anambra, Benue, Cross River, and Enugu states at Golden Tulip Hotel Agulu, Anambra state, to champion exclusive breastfeeding.
This clarion call underscores the media’s critical role in shaping public perception and promoting this lifesaving practice.
Prof. Stella Okunna, a renowned expert in mass communication, emphasized the media’s immense power in influencing societal attitudes and behaviors.
By adopting effective communication strategies, journalists can become formidable advocates for exclusive breastfeeding, dispelling myths and misconceptions that hinder its adoption.
The statistics are stark – only 36% of Nigerian mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding, leaving a staggering 64% of infants vulnerable to malnutrition and related health issues. This crisis demands urgent attention and collective action.
Exclusive breastfeeding is crucial for infants’ optimal growth and development, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that boost their immune system.
To address this, government must take the lead by implementing policies that support breastfeeding mothers, including mandatory workplace breastfeeding policies and initiatives that promote initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery.
Individuals, particularly mothers, must be empowered with knowledge and support to make informed choices about breastfeeding.
Breast milk is a powerful life-saver, essential for the long-term health and wellbeing of both mother and child.
It reduces the risk of infant mortality, promotes healthy weight gain, and enhances cognitive development. Moreover, breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in mothers.
The media has a critical role to play in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. By sharing compelling stories, highlighting success stories, and providing accurate information, journalists can help create a cultural shift towards exclusive breastfeeding.
Let us create a society that values and supports exclusive breastfeeding, ensuring a brighter future for Nigeria’s children.
By joining forces, we can create a world where every mother is empowered to make informed choices, and every child has access to the nourishment they deserve.
Together, we can shape a better future for generations to come.
Well done UNICEF and Anambra Ministry of Health for leading this advocacy.
