Borno First Lady Flags Off World Breastfeeding Campaign

The wife of the Borno State Governor, Dr Falmata Babagana has flagged off the World Breastfeeding Campaign in Maiduguri with the theme, "Let's Step Up For Breastfeeding."

The first lady raised an alarm that over the deaths of infant in the state due to home delivery.

She said the campaign was to discourage the practice while calling on religious and community leaders to support women access health facilities. 

Dr. Babagana who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, Zuwaira Gambo said delivery at home has always deprived women from accessing the right health information from professionals. 

“As there remains a significant proportion of home deliveries, mothers and infants need support and care from family to initiate and continue breastfeeding. 

"In addition, they need support from religious and community leaders, health systems, workplaces and government to breastfeed for as long as they desire."

The event was witnessed in attendance of the United Nations Children's Education Funds (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

In his remark, the UNICEF field office Chief, Samuel Sesay said breastfeeding plays an important role in helping children grow healthy while curbing the issue of malnutrition and food insecurity.

Representative of WHO, Dr. Pindal Wakawa called for improved welfare for children especially through education and child protection and support law passed at the legislative chambers.