Commissioner Planning & Budget Commission, Kaduna
ZAKARI ISAH, KADUNA
Optimal infant feeding has been described as a building block for human capital development and essential to child survival, health, and development.
This was the position of the Commissioner Planning and Budget Commission, Mukhtar Ahmed in a remark at the opening of a one-day strategic Dialogue on the Implementation of the six months of paid Maternity Leave and the Establishment of Creche at Places to mark the World Breastfeeding Week in Kaduna.
Mukhtar called on the need for stakeholders to reflect on the benefits of breastfeeding for the child, it provides all the necessary nutrients for growth, contains important antibodies that fight against diseases, and makes the child smarter.
“As we mark this week let us take a moment to reflect on the benefits of breastfeeding for the child, it provides all the necessary nutrients for growth, contains important antibodies that fight against diseases, and it makes the child smarter”.
Commissioner Planning & Budget Commission, talking with UNICEF & ANRIN Representatives
“For the mother, it reduces the risk of depression, reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, enhances the bond between mother and child and it saves time and money”.
The commissioner said it is based on this that the Kaduna State government became one of the States to implement the WHO recommended 6 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”.
Mukhtar Ahmed stressed that “This aims to achieve by ensuring Reduction in maternal and child mortality, Ramp up enrolment in contributory health insurance, thereby sustain care for pregnant women and children in public hospitals and expand access to vaccines and medications”.
“Thus underscores the importance of a workplace crèche to sustain the gains of the 6 months paid maternity leave and provides nursing mothers with a secure and convenient place to care for their infants during work hours”.
Commissioner Planning & Budget Commission in a group photograph with Participants at a one-day strategic Dialogue on the Implementation of the six months of paid Maternity Leave and the Establishment of Creche at Places to mark the World Breastfeeding Week in Kaduna.
He noted that the provision of Creche at workplaces enables nursing mothers to quickly attend to their child’s needs and continue breastfeeding, without reducing their productivity or sacrificing their work commitments.
“This allows working mothers to integrate their work with personal life, reduce stress, and promote a healthier work-life balance”, he added.
“It is important for us to put our heads together, reaffirm our commitment implement evidence-based strategies, and create more awareness to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. Let us foster a culture of empathy and understanding, where mothers feel empowered and encouraged to breastfeed in public spaces without fear of judgment or discrimination. Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful act that deserves to be celebrated, respected, and protected”.
The World Breastfeeding Week, which is commemorated every year from the 1st to the 7th of August, this year was themed “Enabling breastfeeding: “Making a difference for working mothers.”
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