By Anita Otu
The wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu has frowned at the low rate of breastfeeding in the state.
She disclosed this during the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week held in Calabar, Cross River State, which also marked the commencement of the implementation of six months paid maternity leave for mothers in the state.
The event with the theme, “Closing the gap: breastfeeding support for all”, she said the breastfeeding week among other things is to encourage early initiation of breastfeeding within an hour of birth, promoting exclusive breastfeeding of infants for a minimum period of six months.
Represented by the Special Adviser of Program, Office of the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Queen Essien noted that the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are long lasting into adulthood as breastfeeding babies are less likely to develop ear infection, respiratory tract infections and other illnesses, as well as lower risk of developing chronic illnesses such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and asthma.
“It is disheartening, as a nutrition champion, to note that despite all the proven health benefits, only 11% of babies in Cross River State and 29% of babies in Nigeria are breastfed. The research work also has shown that women need adequate time and support to practice optimal breastfeeding.”
Applauding the Governor’s Wife for extending maternity leave from three months to six, the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Chief Field Officer, Enugu field office – Dr. Juliet Chiluwe, described it as a landmark achievement in the realization of the 50% exclusive breastfeeding rate by 2025.
The event had a goodwill message from the State Commissioner for Health Dr. Henry Ayuk, Commissioner for Social Welfare – Bishop Margaret Ene Ita, Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Dr. Inyang Asibong, and other representatives from the World Health Organization.
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