The Kaduna State Government is prioritizing exclusive breastfeeding to reduce infant and child mortality in the region, as reaffirmed by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe during the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week celebrations.
Dr. Balarabe stressed the crucial role of breastfeeding in providing essential nutrients and protection against common childhood illnesses. Despite a decline in early breastfeeding initiation, the government is implementing various initiatives to support breastfeeding mothers, such as providing healthcare providers, vaccines, maternity leave, and nutrition corners.
Challenges like ignorance, hunger, poverty, and insecurity are acknowledged, but Dr. Balarabe remains optimistic in addressing them collectively. She highlighted the importance of breast milk in reducing infant and child mortality, emphasizing the benefits of colostrum as a natural immune system booster.
Under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, a holistic approach to security issues in the North-West Zone is being pursued, with the aim of creating a conducive environment for families to support breastfeeding mothers and ensure the survival and thriving of infants in Kaduna State.