By Aliyu Gerengi, Gombe
The National Association of Nigeria Paediatric Nurses (NANPAN), Gombe State Chapter, has intensified efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding through a public awareness campaign aimed at improving maternal and child health.
The sensitisation programme, held in Gombe under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life,” educated mothers, caregivers and expectant women on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life.
Speaking during the campaign, the Gombe State Coordinator of NANPAN, Rashidat Abubakar, described exclusive breastfeeding as essential for the healthy growth, development and survival of infants.
She urged mothers and parents to embrace the practice, noting that breast milk contains all the nutrients babies need from birth to six months without the need for water or any other food.
Other members of the association, including Mariya Isah Bello, Loveth Emevo and Hajara Borno Lawal, highlighted the numerous benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, saying it protects children against infections, strengthens their immune system, promotes healthy growth and supports brain development.
At separate sensitisation sessions held at Gidan Magani Town Maternity Centre and Zainab Bulkachuwa Women and Children Maternity Hospital, health professionals Jamila Haruna Adamu and Amina Ibrahim advised pregnant women attending antenatal clinics to avoid self-medication and initiate breastfeeding immediately after delivery.
They stressed that breast milk alone is sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of infants during their first six months of life.
The health experts also commended the present administration for its continued support and commitment to maternal and child healthcare programmes in the state.
In their remarks, the Officer-in-Charge of Gidan Magani Town Maternity Centre, Zainab Umar Chiroma, and the Officer-in-Charge of Zainab Bulkachuwa Women and Children Maternity Hospital, Florence Emmanuel, appreciated NANPAN for choosing their facilities for the awareness campaign.
They described the initiative as timely and significant in promoting healthier families and improving child survival across the state.
NANPAN reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining advocacy on exclusive breastfeeding and called on government, healthcare providers, community leaders and families to continue supporting initiatives that promote the health and well-being of mothers and children.