Dr. Falmata Zulum, the First Lady of Borno State, has urged the government to implement a six-month maternity leave policy for nursing mothers to promote exclusive breastfeeding.
She made this appeal yesterday in Maiduguri during the launch of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week.
Represented by Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Zulum emphasized that the week is a call to action for collective and collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change.
She also advocated for the creation of a comprehensive support system that includes breastfeeding-friendly healthcare facilities, supportive communities, and accommodating workplaces.
She said, “I fully support working mothers having six months of maternity leave to practice exclusive breastfeeding. The theme ‘Closing the Gap, Breastfeeding Support for All’ highlights the imperative of inclusivity and universality in our pursuit of a breastfeeding-conducive environment, accessible to all individuals.
“In alignment with the policy recommendation by the WHO-UNICEF-led Global Breastfeeding Collective, we issue a formal appeal for enhanced investments in comprehensive breastfeeding initiatives, improved breastfeeding counseling and support for women within healthcare facilities and community contexts,” Zulum said.
In his goodwill message, the Chief of UNICEF Borno Field Office, Dr Tushar Rane, raised concern over the dwindling position of Borno in achieving the global target.
