Borno govt set to approve 6 months maternity leave for working mothers

By: Omirin Joshua

The Borno state government has said it will implement the six months maternity leave for working mothers under the payroll of the state government. 

The Permanent Secretary Ministry for Health and Human Services Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze stated this during a symposium organized as part of the 2023 breastfeeding week in Maiduguri. 

He explained that the state government is stepping up efforts to achieve the fifty per cent exclusive breastfeeding target set by the World Health Assembly from the current forty per cent.

“It is intended to galvanise action across multiple sectors including the private sector on how to improve existing breastfeeding facilities, create new ones where there is none and review the possibility of legislating policies that promote breastfeeding-friendly workplaces,” he said.

He observed that working mothers struggle to balance childcare and work responsibilities thereby resulting in early cessation of breastfeeding. 

“Women, therefore need continued support from the government, health system, workplace and communities to play their critical roles in empowering them and sustaining breastfeeding-friendly environments,” Ghuluze stressed. 

Responding, the Chairman Borno House of Assembly Committee on Health, Hon. Maina Mustapha Garba, explained that the state government has four months of maternity leave in place for working mothers, assuring that efforts are on to extend it to six months. 

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Marina, who also is a renowned health professional urged for more collaborative efforts among key actors in a view to create adequate awareness on the need for six-month maternity leaves and friendly workplaces for nursing mothers in the state.

Speaking, State Coordinator Alive and Thrive, Dr Bashaar Abdul-Baki, pledged commitment to advancing policies that facilitate breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, such as providing dedicated lactation rooms and flexible working hours for nursing mothers. 

Dr Bashaar stressed that this initiative aims to create a conducive environment that promotes both breastfeeding and professional growth, recognizing the integral role of working parents in society.

“I am pleased to see the growing awareness of breastfeeding’s importance for both the health of children and the well-being of working parents”

 “By supporting breastfeeding in the workplace, we are taking significant strides towards nurturing a healthier and more productive workforce for the future.” he disclosed.

Correspondent reports that 2023 World Breastfeeding Week is held in the first week of August every year to inspire and drive positive change for working parents in Borno State and beyond. 

The Borno State Government and Alive and Thrive expressed their gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the success of this vital event.

Borno govt set to approve 6 months maternity leave for working mothers