The MICS 2021 survey unveiled concerning figures for Kogi State’s children: only 29.5% are exclusively breastfed, and a mere 54.7% of those 6 months and older receive a mix of breastmilk, solid, semi-solid, or soft foods.
During the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week press briefing, Health Commissioner Dr. Zakari Usman shared these stats, attributing the low numbers to a blend of ignorance and the increasing economic role of women within households.
The theme for this year, ‘Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Mothers’, spotlights the challenge faced by working women and calls for collective action to raise awareness and support optimal breastfeeding.
Dr. Usman urged collaboration between political leaders, policymakers, communities, workplaces, and individuals to amplify the advantages of breastfeeding. He called for investments in services, training for health workers, and family-friendly policies like extended maternity leave and workplace childcare.
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He emphasized that women shouldn’t have to choose between breastfeeding and work, and affirmed the commitment of the Kogi State Ministry of Health to champion breastfeeding for eradicating childhood malnutrition.
Dr. Usman reiterated the importance of early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continued breastfeeding up to two years in line with global health goals. Creating a supportive environment is essential to help women follow this child-feeding ideal.
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