UNICEF U-Reporters Promote Breastfeeding in Kano State.
As part of the World Breastfeeding Week celebrations, UNICEF U-Reporters in Kano State organized a sensitization campaign to promote exclusive breastfeeding for six months among mothers. The campaign aimed to educate the public on the benefits of breastfeeding and encourage caregivers to adopt the practice.
Aisha Ahmad Tijjani, a 19-year-old UNICEF U-Reporter, emphasized the importance of breastfeeding, saying, “Exclusive breastfeeding is
KNSG and UNICEF partner to Combat Malnutrition With 1 Billion Naira Worth of Therapeutics Food . crucial for babies from 0-6 months because it enables them to develop sharp brains and strong immune systems.
Faiza Abubakar, a 20-year-old participant, highlighted the need to protect children from bacteria and contaminants found in plastic bottles and variable foods,
“There’s a danger in giving children water, mostly with plastic bottles and some food.”
Adding that ,Avoiding exclusive breastfeeding can have severe consequences on both mothers and babies. For infants, not breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months can lead to a higher risk of gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Aliyu Muhammad Yusuf, a 24-year-old leader of the U-Reporters at Gadan Kayan road, Gwale Local Government area, urged husbands to encourage their wives to practice exclusive breastfeeding, stressing its vital role in promoting children’s health.
Breastfeeding is essential for a child’s growth and development, providing vital nutrients and protection against diseases like pneumonia, cholera, and neonatal jaundice. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond.
Rufaidah Nasir Musa, a 17-year-old girl, called on young women to practice exclusive breastfeeding, saying, “It increases the chemistry of love between mother and child, and also improves the child’s health physically and mentally. Babies who are formula-fed are also more likely to develop necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious disease that affects premature babies. Moreover, not breastfeeding can impact cognitive development, leading to lower IQs and worse academic performance ,.
By promoting exclusive breastfeeding, the UNICEF U-Reporters in Kano State are contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for children in the state. Breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong health and well-being. It is a simple, cost-effective, and natural way to provide infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.
The World Breastfeeding Week celebration is an opportunity to amplify the voices of young people and shape policies and decisions that promote positive change in communities. Through the U-Report platform, young people are empowered with knowledge and encouraged to share their opinions and experiences on issues related to health, education, and social matters.