ANSACA, IDEMILI NORTH LGA PROMOTE EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING, PMTCT
By Obianuju Isima
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has urged pregnant women and nursing mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life, describing the practice as essential to proper nutrition, healthy development and protection against childhood illnesses.
The Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Hilary Nkem Okeke, made the call on Aug 8. during a World Breastfeeding Week programme held at the Maternal and Child Healthcare Clinic, Ogidi, in partnership with the Idemili North Local Government Area(LGA).
Okeke, who commended the Mayor of Idemili North LGA, Chief Stanley Nkwoka, for partnering with ANSACA on the programme, described breast milk as a baby’s first source of protection, urging mothers to disregard misinformation and harmful practices that could interfere with exclusive breastfeeding.
He explained that exclusive breastfeeding means giving a baby only breast milk for the first six months, except where medicines or supplements are medically indicated.
The ANSACA boss appealed to employers and institutions to adopt breastfeeding friendly policies that enable working mothers to continue breastfeeding after childbirth, including adequate maternity leave and supportive workplace arrangements.
On HIV prevention, Okeke reassured women living with HIV that an HIV positive status does not prevent them from having healthy children when they receive appropriate medical care.
He explained that pregnant women living with HIV who enrol early in antenatal care, take antiretroviral medicines consistently and follow professional medical advice can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to their babies.
He urged pregnant women to know their HIV status early and remain committed to treatment where necessary, stressing that effective HIV care can help mothers protect their babies from HIV infection.
Okeke commended the Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo for its investment in maternal and child healthcare, particularly the provision of free antenatal and delivery services in government hospitals across the state.
He congratulated the Governor’s wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, on receiving the 2026 BudgIT Active Citizens Award in Health Activism, describing the recognition as a reflection of her advocacy for improved health and wellbeing.
The Director of Primary Healthcare, Idemili North LGA, Lady Chinwe Okeke, said exclusive breastfeeding provides babies with essential nutrients and helps strengthen their developing immune systems.
The wife of the Mayor of Idemili North LGA, Lady Eberechukwu Nkwoka, urged mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding and support efforts aimed at improving the health of children and families in the community.
Some beneficiaries of the state’s free maternal healthcare programme, including Iheukwumere Ezeakor, Adaora Aghalike and Chinecherem Amaife, shared their experiences, expressing appreciation for the free antenatal and delivery services available in government hospitals.
They commended the Soludo administration for reducing the financial burden associated with pregnancy and childbirth and making maternal healthcare more accessible to families.
The programme reinforced the importance of combining breastfeeding support, antenatal care, HIV prevention and accessible maternal health services to give mothers and children a healthier start in life.
Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State