A global civil society organization, the Women Support Women Community Network (WOSCONET), praised the philanthropic efforts of the Wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, during the celebration of World Breastfeeding Week in Enugu. The event, which took place at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) on Tuesday, saw Mrs. Mbah covering hospital bills and donating maternity materials to support indigent mothers.
The 2023 World Breastfeeding Week carries the theme "Let's make breastfeeding and work, work!" and aims to emphasize the importance of breastfeeding for the proper development of newborns. WOSCONET, in a statement signed by their Publicity Secretary, Igumbor Faith, highlighted the significance of exclusive breastfeeding during the early stages of a child's life;
Statement Reads in Part;
"the need for exclusive breastfeeding of babies for their early age development cannot be overemphasized hence the need to intentionally balance the two as mother"
"We commend the wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah for her generosity which she expressed during her visit to ESUTH Parklane, she made donations of maternity materials and also offset bills for indigent mothers to mark the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week"
"Breastfeeding mothers are face with challenges of work load be it in the office space or at home but critically understanding that life and development of a child is important helps to balance the two" the group stated.
Recall that Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, in her heartfelt speech, underscored the benefits of exclusive and extended breastfeeding for children's health and immunity. She shared her personal experience, stating that breastfeeding had been instrumental in keeping her babies healthy and rarely needing medical attention.
In addition to her advocacy for breastfeeding, the First Lady also revealed plans by the Governor Peter Mbah administration to improve the health sector's quality and affordability. Particularly attention is being given to enhancing maternal, infant, and child healthcare in the state.
“Exclusive and extended breastfeeding is not easy, but it is something you have to do. Your baby deserves to be well breastfed. It boost their immune system, and I never really had the need to be taking children to the hospital, except for immunisation, because my babies were healthy. So, I can tell you from experience that breastfeeding really works. So, I encourage you to breastfeed our babies. Forget about people that do about two or three months of breastfeeding” said Mrs Mbah on Tuesday.
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually from August 1st to 7th in over 120 countries, aiming to raise awareness and take action on various themes related to breastfeeding. The recent event in Enugu serves as a reminder of the critical role breastfeeding plays in the well-being and development of children, and the need for continued support and awareness worldwide.
