Malam Sa’id Umar, the Jigawa Nutrition Officer, says only 12.8 per cent of nursing mothers practice early initiation of breastfeeding in the state.
Umar disclosed this in Kano on Monday during a two-day media dialogue on breastfeeding organised by the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with UNICEF to commemorate 2018 breastfeeding week.
He said the figure was based on the 2016/2017 MIX survey conducted in the country.
He also disclosed that only 15.5 per cent of mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding, with complementary feeding at 27.1 per cent in the state.
The official regretted that poor breastfeeding practice accounted for poor development and growth among infants.
According to him, the statistics also indicated that acute malnutrition in the state rose from 17 per cent in 2008 to 41 per cent in 2013, while cases of stunting also increased from 34 per cent to 62 percent, within same period.
He added that inadequate food provision, diseases and unhealthy environment and inadequate access to health services were identified as some of the causes of malnutrition.
He said: “Nursing mothers should not wash away the first thick yellowish milk during early initiation of breastfeeding.
“Early initiation commences within the first hour of delivery.
“The practice enhances brain development and healthy growth of the infant.”
Trending
- UTME: Candidates will now be held responsible if parents disrupt exam process – Prof. Oloyede
- FG restates commitment to press freedom, demands responsibility
- I’m not moved by cyberbullying — Alex Iwobi
- ICAN gives support to Senate probe of CBN’s Ways and Means
- Alleged defilement of girlfriend: 23-year-old student freed after two years
- We’re not aware of any BoT in Labour Party — NEC
- Anambra police station attacked, set ablaze
- National Convention: We gave INEC over 100 days notice – LP