Breastfeeding is building block for human capital development – Commissioner

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Planning and Budget Commission, Hon. Murktar Ahmed, has said that optimal breastfeeding is the building block for human capital development and essential to child survival.
He asserted this during a dialogue agenda meeting organized by the Departments of Aid Coordination, Kaduna Planning, and Budget Commission with support from UNICEF.
Hon Ahmed said breastfeeding also contributes to health, and development, while poor Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are a major contributor to the high burden of infant and childhood morbidity and mortality.
He explained that breastfeeding children, also provide all the necessary nutrients for growth, contain important antibodies that fight against diseases, and make the child smarter.
The Commissioner added that Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding, noting that it reduces the risk of depression, and breast and ovarian cancer, and saves time and money while enhancing the bond between mother and child.
“It is based on this that the Kaduna State government became one of the States to implement the WHO-recommended six months paid maternity leave policy and the provision of creches to aid breastfeeding mothers to continue nursing their babies even after they resume work.
“In addition to promoting the health and wellbeing of its citizens, the present administration is poised to invest in human capital development as contained in its SUSTAINED AGENDA to build and strengthen a health care system that is preventive in approach, well equipped and staffed, accessible and affordable, and oriented to deliver a decent standard of care,” he said.