Borno First Lady Seeks 6 Months Maternity Leave For Breastfeeding Mothers

Borno First Lady Seeks 6 Months Maternity Leave For Breastfeeding Mothers

By Francis Okoye

First Lady of Borno state, Dr Falmata Zulum, has called for implementation of six months maternity leave for nursing mothers by government to encourage the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.

Dr. Zulum made the call yesterday in Maiduguri while flagging-off the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week.

The First Lady , who was represented by the state’s Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, said the week constituted a clarion call to collective action and collaborative efforts to precipitate transformative change.

She advocated for the establishment of a comprehensive support framework comprising breastfeeding-friendly healthcare facilities, supportive communities, and accommodating workplaces.

She said, “I fully support working mothers having six months maternity leave to practice exclusive breastfeeding.

“The theme ‘Closing the Gap, Breastfeeding Support for All’ highlights the imperative of inclusivity and universality in our pursuit of a breastfeeding -conducive environment, accessible to all individuals.

“In alignment with the policy recommendation by the WHO-UNICEF-led Global Breastfeeding Collective, we issue a formal appeal for enhanced investments in comprehensive breastfeeding initiatives, improved breastfeeding counseling and support for women within healthcare facilities and community contexts,” Zulum said.

In his goodwill message, the Chief of UNICEF Borno Field Office, Dr Tushar Rane, raised concern over the dwindling position of Borno in achieving the global target.

He called for the cessation of promotional activities for breast-milk substitutes and the need to optimize integrated routine immunization activities and empowering parents to make informed decisions regarding the optimal nutrition for their infants.

Also presenting the message of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the State Coordinator of WHO, Dr Ibrahim Salisu reiterated commitment of WHO and other stakeholders in supporting Borno in promoting exclusive breastfeeding.

Salisu said breastfeeding remained the foundation for a lifelong health and wellbeing as well as a simple, cost effective, and natural way to provide infants with the nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.

He noted that the key gaps in breastfeeding support include insufficient maternity leave policies, lack of workplace support and inadequate access to breastfeeding education and services.

Borno First Lady Seeks 6 Months Maternity Leave For Breastfeeding Mothers