By Nnedinma Okeke/Chidimma Okoye
The World Breastfeeding Week (WBW): an annual event celebrated from 1st to 7th August globally is geared towards protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding world wide. It also, aims at increasing awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding for infants, young children and mothers.
The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners has flagged-off the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) themed; “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support System.”
“It is aimed towards promoting enabling environments that help women to breastfeed. This includes community and work place support, with adequate protection in government policies and laws, as well as sharing information on the benefits of breastfeeding.”
The Anambra State 2025 WBW flag-off ceremony was held at Anaocha Local Government Area (LGA) Secretariat Complex, Neni. It had in attendance; Anaocha Deputy Mayor, Traditional Rulers, ASPHCDA team, Anaocha LGA team, Community/Women Leaders, and PHC Directors.
Also, Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and Representatives of UNICEF, NAFDAC and Nutrition Society of Nigeria, among many other dignitaries.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike emphasized on the significance of breastfeeding whilst urging for commitment by all to supporting breastfeeding mothers at homes and in workplaces.
“Breastmilk is nature’s perfect food for infants as it provides essential nutrients, antibodies, bonding opportunities and many other numerous benefits for the mother, child, families and society at large,” Dr Obidike said.
He urged families to ensure exclusive breastfeeding without water for children zero to six months of age as it also ensures for the proper brain development of the child so as to be better in the society.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem explained that breastmilk gives immunity to children as it helps protect them from unwanted diseases and infections.
“Breastmilk is a super vaccine, beneficial to both mothers and children but despite these, it can be challenging for some mothers, so we must work together to create supporting environment for breastfeeding mothers,” she advised.
She expressed gratitude to all present at the event, the LGA Chairman and health team for support towards primary healthcare programmes in the LGA and ensuring success of the WBW flag-off ceremony.
Earlier, the Anaocha LGA Chairman, Mr Romanus Ibekwe in his opening remark, emphasized that the importance of breastfeeding in the society is vital in training children as it also ensures for a healthy growth.
“Breastfeeding aids for mother and child bonding as mentorship of a mother to a child starts from breastfeeding.
“It enables for communication between mother and child and helps mothers to effectively study, observe and watch their children; to know if they feed well, if the child is calm, monitor his/her breathing, and check for cold or any signs of ill health,” he enumerated.
He encouraged mothers to breastfeed their children as they would also benefit from the process which is also a cancer preventive measure.
Mrs Veronica Ibeabuchi, Chief Regulatory Officer, NAFDAC Anambra State, noted that NAFDAC regulates breastmilk substitutes such as milk and other infant formulas as it is necessary for people to know that the substitutes are not in any way better than breastfeed itself.
She explained that NAFDAC was working on code of breastmilk marketing to ensure there is no advert on breastmilk substitutes. “This is to ensure that mothers will not be discouraged from breastfeeding as breastmilk given to children at no cost, with lots of benefits is better than its substitutes,” she added.
The event witnessed presentation of gifts to mothers who exclusively breastfed their babies.
Nnedinma and Chidimma are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
