The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Nkama, announced the state’s decision to introduce an extended six-month maternity leave for working mothers. As part of this initiative, the State Government plans to provide baby creches in all offices to ensure that both government and private sector working mothers have the opportunity to breastfeed their infants for the recommended duration.
Dr. Nkama revealed this during the official launch of the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week campaign, themed ‘Enabling Breastfeeding – Making a Difference for Working Parents.’ The campaign aims to emphasize the vital role breastfeeding plays in nurturing healthy communities and promoting the well-being of both mothers and children.
Highlighting the importance of breastfeeding, Dr. Nkama emphasized that breast milk offers essential nutrients, antibodies, and protection against various diseases for babies.
Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwifuru, the wife of the Governor, flagged off the campaign in Abakaliki. She called upon traditional leaders, politicians, policymakers, legislators, women, and men to advocate for exclusive breastfeeding and support mothers throughout the state in practicing it.
Mrs. Nwifuru urged mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding to enhance the development of their babies, assuring them of the State Government’s unwavering commitment to support, protect, and promote breastfeeding as a crucial strategy in eradicating childhood malnutrition.
Representing the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Jessica Uburu, the Special Assistant to the Governor, stressed the importance of development partners’ continuous support in protecting, promoting, and supporting exclusive breastfeeding, which is a fundamental right of every child and mother.
Additionally, Mr. Clinton Ofoegbu, the Nutrition Focal Person of USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria, called on the government to consider adopting a two-week paternal leave for fathers to assist and support the mothers during this crucial period.
