The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has strongly urged the Bauchi State Government to establish a clear policy mandating six months of maternity leave for nursing mothers in paid employment. This appeal is intended to enhance exclusive breastfeeding practices, which UNICEF emphasizes are vital for ensuring the proper growth and development of infants.
This call was made by Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, the Chief of Field Office for UNICEF in Bauchi, during a press briefing in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week 2025.
In her words, “Combating child malnutrition must start from the earliest days. Breastfeeding from birth, continued exclusively for six months, followed by adequate complementary feeding until 24 months, is the foundation of a child’s nutrition and survival.”
Dr. Rafique stated that early initiation of breastfeeding, coupled with family and community support, plays a crucial role in preventing both acute and chronic malnutrition. She expressed concern over the widespread stunting and undernutrition among children in Bauchi due to poor feeding practices.
“We face a dire nutrition crisis in Bauchi State. Over 50% of children suffer from malnourishment, and many experience stunted growth that could impact them for life,” she noted.
She introduced the “1-6-24 formula” for optimal infant feeding: initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth to deliver vital antibodies, maintain exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and then continue with complementary feeding up to 24 months.
“This information must reach every household. Mothers, grandmothers, and even community influencers must understand the importance of these early nutritional steps,” she added.
According to LMSINT MEDIA, this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is centered on the theme: ‘System Support for the Woman’, highlighting the need for robust institutional and societal structures that empower mothers.
She pointed out that with the help of skilled birth attendants and qualified health professionals, mothers are better equipped to start breastfeeding right after childbirth and continue without unnecessary disruption.
Also speaking at the event was UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Philomina Irene, who fully endorsed the proposal for a six-month paid maternity leave, stating it would ease the physical and emotional demands on working mothers.
Philomina disclosed a troubling statistic — only 20% of infants in Bauchi are exclusively breastfed, far below the standard recommended by global health authorities. She called for increased public awareness and better policies that encourage breastfeeding.
She also tasked media professionals with the responsibility of educating the public about the long-term benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, while also advocating for breastfeeding-friendly environments in workplaces and public facilities.
Adding to the conversation, Alhaji Abubakar Sale Sabo Bara, the State Nutrition Officer, reaffirmed the Bauchi State Government’s commitment to improving child nutrition through sustained behavioral change strategies.
He explained that the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board is actively engaging with parents, religious leaders, and traditional authorities to increase awareness about the importance of breastfeeding.
He concluded by asserting that promoting proper feeding practices remains one of the government’s top priorities and assured continued collaboration with stakeholders to support child health across the state.
Kindly Share:
Discover more from LMSINT STORE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
