From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Clerics from both Islam and Christianity faith has urged lactating and expectant mothers imbibe the culture of exclusive breastfeeding for the wellbeing of their children as both faiths encouraged such
They asserted this during a Panel discussion at an engagement Forum organised by the Kaduna Primary Healthcare Agency in collaboration with Alive & Thrive to mark the 2022 World Breastfeeding Week held yesterday, in Kaduna
The Clerics stressed that the benefit of exclusive breastfeeding is too numerous, noting that babies that were exclusively breastfed stand to benefit on it much more than those on the local pattern.
A member of the panel, Mallam Isa Abubakar said Islam support women to embark on exclusive breastfeeding to enhance the health of their babies.
According to him, practicing exclusive breastfeeding will not harm the child, hence, Islam is not against it.
Similarly, Pastor Joseph Onilede urged care givers to always ensure they breastfeed their children exclusively.
Onilede explained that exclusively breastfed babies have sharper brains and first breast milk after birth contains cholesterol, which helps in hormone development, as a result the babies are protected against killer diseases, she said.
Speaking at the occasion held at Zakari Isa PHC in Kaduna North Local Government Area (LGA), the State Coordinator of Alive &Thrive, Sarah Didi Kwasu said the that the engagement was organized with Stakeholders such as Clerics, Nutritionist, Health Workers and media Practitioners to brainstorm on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.
According to Kwasu, the recommendations from the forum will be incorporated into the programs of the organization in order to improve maternal, adolescent, infants and young child nutrition in Kaduna.
She stressed that Stakeholders at multiple levels need to redouble their efforts, adding that exclusive breastfeeding is one of the essential actions for infant development and survival.
Speaking on the 2022 WBW theme: ‘Step Up For Breastfeeding, Educate and Support’ Kwasu said the Alive &Thrive initiative saves lives, prevents illness and improves the health and wellbeing of mothers, children and adolescents by using evidence-based approaches in collaboration with government and other partners.
