Ministry of Health & Partners Calls For Exclusive Breastfeeding
By Komba Fillie
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation in collaboration with its development partner on Wednesday 27th June, 2011 called on the public especially suckling mothers to exclusively breastfeed their children immediately after birth.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Health Conference Hall Youyi Building, Programme Manager, National Food & Nutrition in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation Ms Aminata Shamit Koroma stated that the world breastfeeding week will commence from 1st August 2011 and ends on 7th August 2011 on the theme: “Talk to me” – Breastfeeding a third Experience, which speaks to you”. She noted that the theme speaks volumes.
She said that the various dimensions of our lives intersect, and that people need to realize that breastfeeding affects all of these dimensions.
She added that breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. She pointed out that lack of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of the child’s life contributes to over a million avoidable infant deaths each year. “Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed provided they have accurate information and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large” she explained.
She went further to say that the objective of the celebration is to draw attention to exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months, to provide accurate information and serve as advocates for early initiation. She said it also enables mothers to enjoy full support, promotion and protection for breastfeeding in the health care system, communities and beyond.
Hannah Yankson of the WHO said breastfeeding ranks the most effective intervention to improve child survival and health. She noted that WHO recommends that children should be breastfed up to 6 months in order to give optimal growth and development. She said that breastfeeding is natural food for babies and provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for health growth. She further stated that breastfeeding promotes sensory cognitive development and protects the infant against infection and other related diseases. She called on husbands to encourage their wives to do exclusive breastfeeding.
Other speakers who made positive contribution include representatives from UNICEF and the programme was chaired by the directorate of reproductive health Dr Samuel A S Kargbo.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation in collaboration with its development partner on Wednesday 27th June, 2011 called on the public especially suckling mothers to exclusively breastfeed their children immediately after birth.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Health Conference Hall Youyi Building, Programme Manager, National Food & Nutrition in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation Ms Aminata Shamit Koroma stated that the world breastfeeding week will commence from 1st August 2011 and ends on 7th August 2011 on the theme: “Talk to me” – Breastfeeding a third Experience, which speaks to you”. She noted that the theme speaks volumes.
She said that the various dimensions of our lives intersect, and that people need to realize that breastfeeding affects all of these dimensions.
She added that breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. She pointed out that lack of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of the child’s life contributes to over a million avoidable infant deaths each year. “Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed provided they have accurate information and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large” she explained.
She went further to say that the objective of the celebration is to draw attention to exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months, to provide accurate information and serve as advocates for early initiation. She said it also enables mothers to enjoy full support, promotion and protection for breastfeeding in the health care system, communities and beyond.
Hannah Yankson of the WHO said breastfeeding ranks the most effective intervention to improve child survival and health. She noted that WHO recommends that children should be breastfed up to 6 months in order to give optimal growth and development. She said that breastfeeding is natural food for babies and provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for health growth. She further stated that breastfeeding promotes sensory cognitive development and protects the infant against infection and other related diseases. She called on husbands to encourage their wives to do exclusive breastfeeding.
Other speakers who made positive contribution include representatives from UNICEF and the programme was chaired by the directorate of reproductive health Dr Samuel A S Kargbo.
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