By Tony Okafor, Awka
Mrs Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has said women who breastfeed their babies extensively have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
She also stated that breastfed children would perform better on intelligence tests; not likely to be obese, and less prone to diabetes later in life.
The governor’s wife stated this at the weekend when Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund and Partners flagged-off the World Exclusive Breastfeeding Week and Launch of Zero Water in Anambra State.
The event took place at Ojoto,the headquarters of Idemili South Local Government Area of the state with theme: “Enable breastfeeding-Making A Difference For Working Parents”.
Mrs Soludo represented on the occasion by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, described exclusive breastfeeding as the best way to ensure child health and survival.
She noted that breastmilk remained the ideal food for infants, adding, “It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help to protect against many common childhood illnesses.
She commended the Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili South, Mrs Amaka Obi, for improving on the health sector of the area.
Speaking, the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem said breastfeeding had many health benefits for nursing mothers and their babies.
She noted that well-breastfed infants had lower hospitalization rate and would tend to be in better health.
In her address, the Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili South Local Government Area, Obi described the theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week celebration “Enable breastfeeding-Making A Difference For Working Parents” as apt.
She said the theme would enhance support for mothers to sustain exclusive breastfeeding as well as guide policy makers on issues about exclusive breastfeeding.
Gifts were presented to exclusive breastfeeding nursing mothers on the occasion while traditional rulers, Presidents-General of different communities, Women’s leaders and other stakeholders were in attendance.
