A USAID-assisted NGO, ‘Breakthrough Action, Nigeria’ and other stakeholders on family health in Sokoto State, on Tuesday brainstormed on ways to address barriers to breastfeeding based on religious perspectives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was at a symposium organised by the NGO that was attended by religious and traditional leaders from across the state.
The Executive Secretary, Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SSPHDA), Adamu Romo, said the symposium would scale up the need for exclusive breastfeeding.
“Presently, we require a lot of enlightenment on exclusive breastfeeding, because our people are very much ignorant of the fact that breastfeeding is a key source of child survival.
“Therefore, as government officials, we will continue to appreciate the development partners for their tremendous efforts toward addressing the barriers in the society.
“I want to assure you that we will continue to remain closer to you in order to succeed on the task. This is our responsibility and we will continue to remain committed to it,” he said.
Romo added that the symposium provided an opportunity to highlight the responsibility of all members of the family while urging the participants to judiciously utilise it.
In her presentation, the Deputy Director, Nursing Services, Hospital Services Management Board (HSMB), Halima Sirajo, emphasized the need for more breastfeeding by mothers at night.
According to her, breastfeeding at night has a great impact on protecting and preventing the baby from many infections and malnutrition.
She urged the stakeholders to sustain enlightenment on the need for exclusive breastfeeding and the necessity for breastfeeding within an hour of delivery.
“This will enable the production of children that are more intelligent and prevent brain blockage,” she said.
Also speaking, Nutrition Officer, Breakthrough Action, Nigeria, Roseline Yakubu, said the activity was part of the NGO’s commitment to celebrating the 2022 Global Breastfeeding Week.
“This is in order to enlighten the general public on promoting exclusive breastfeeding and its numerous benefits to greater future generations.
“Today, we are meeting with health personnel, religious and traditional leaders to deliberate on ways forward. This is in order to extend the massages back to our respective communities,” she said.
NAN reports that papers were presented on the “Religious perspective of breastfeeding,” by Dr. Jabir Mai-Hula of Sokoto State University and Rev. Ayuba Matthew of ECWA Church.