The wife of the Borno State Governor, Dr Falmata Babagana, on Tuesday, decried the startling rate of home delivery of babies in the state.
The first lady spoke yesterday at the commencement of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week campaign in Maiduguri, the state capital.
While calling on religious and community leaders to help women access health facilities, she said the campaign was to dissuade the practice of home delivery in the state.
READ: Borno Gov. Tasks Journalists On Development
The governor’s wife, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Zuwaira Gambo, said the practice was denying women of the opportunities for education, counselling and support by health professionals.
“As there remains a significant proportion of home deliveries, mothers and infants need support and care from family to initiate and continue breastfeeding. In addition, they need support from religious and community leaders, health systems, workplaces and government to breastfeed for as long as they desire,” she said.
The Nutrition and Physical Activity Officer at World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Pindal Wakawa, emphasized the need for education and legislation for the protection and support of children.
Also, the Chief of Maiduguri Field Office for United Nations Children’s Education Funds (UNICEF), Samuel Sesay, said exclusive breastfeeding played a significant role in good nutrition, food security and healthy growth.
