A recent Northeast Nutrition and Food Security Surveillance Survey has revealed that, exclusive breastfeeding rate for Borno State is now 59%.
This doubles the National Demographic Health Survey, NDHS 2018 whi h stands at national average of 29%.
This was made known by the wife of Borno State Governor, Dr Falmata Zulum, at the commencement of the World Breastfeeding Week in Borno State, on Tuesday.
Falmata Zulum, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Zuwaira Gambo, says the increase in the rate of exclusive breastfeeding, represents progress for the state.
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She noted that early initiation of breastfeeding remains a major determinant of exclusive breastfeeding, which stands at 44%.
This, according to her, translates to only two out of every five babies, being breastfed, immediately after birth.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Mohammed Arab Alhaji, said exclusive breastfeeding, remains the leading child survival intervention.
According to him, more than 800,000 lives could be saved each year, through six months of exclusive breastfeeding, and continued breastfeeding, with appropriate complementary feeding, for up to two years, or longer.
The lasting impact of improved feeding practices, is healthy children, who can achieve their full potential for growth and development.
The theme for the 2022 World Breastfeeding Week is, “Step Up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support”.
(Editor : Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
