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Two documents that will promote nutrition among babies, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, have been launched in Kwara State.
The documents titled “Policy on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition” and, “Guidelines on Baby-Friendly Initiatives” were launched by Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq today in Ilorin.
In an address at the occasion, Governor Abdulrazaq represented by the Commissioner for Health Dr.Amina El-Imam explained that the documents would promote and support infants, pregnant women and nursing mothers with essential vitamins and minerals to reduce incidences of malnutrition.
He stated that the documents also aim at promoting exclusive breastfeeding particularly in the first one thousand days of a child to check infant mortality and ensure cognitive development.
The Governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Health, described the launch of the document as apt and in accordance with this year’s theme of World Breastfeeding Week, “Closing the Gap, Breastfeeding Support For All.”
Earlier, wife of the Governor, Mrs.Olufolake Abdulrazaq noted that with the policy in place, mothers would henceforth have an enabling environment to breastfeed their babies at workplaces, health facilities and in their communities.
Mrs Abdulrazaq assured that mothers and caregivers would be trained on hygiene, complementary feeding and regular monitoring of children’s growth and development for quick intervention when malnutrition is noticed.
In a remark, the Commissioner for Health, Amina El-Imam disclosed that the State had already approved a six month paid maternity leave for women and expressed hope that the initiative would encourage exclusive breastfeeding.
Dr El-Imam stated that the state had surpassed the five hundred target at the recent nationwide breastfeeding event to demonstrate commitment to infant and maternal care.
Also, the Chairman, House Comnitee on Health and Environment, Abdulrazaq Owolabi urged mothers to breastfeed their babies whenever they demand for it, emphasizing that breast milk is critical to a child’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Mr. Owolabi also appealed to the respective ministries and agencies in the health sector to make judicious use of the funds allocated to them in the interest of the larger society.
Dr Amina El-Imam and Chairman House Comnitee on Health and Environment, Kwara State House of Assembly, Abdulrazaq Owolabi with other dignitaries at the event.
There were goodwill messages from development partners including World Health Organisation, WHO and UNICEF.
By Rasheedat Iliyas
