‘Appropriate Feeding Practices For Children Still Lacking Among Nigerians’

A group, Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WFA), last Monday said appropriate feeding practices for children are still lacking among Nigerians, thus bringing about the prevalence of malnutrition in the country.
The organisation’s Communications Lead, Mr Joseph Jikeme made this known in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Jikeme spoke against the backdrop of the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting, marked annually on March 3 with the theme: “End Malnutrition: Protect the Future of the Nigerian Child “.
According to him, research identifies cultural beliefs of giving children other foods, especially water, during the first six months of life, thereby preventing exclusive breastfeeding of infants, as gaps in addressing malnutrition.
“Malnutrition is fast becoming endemic in Nigeria; it accounted for more than 50 per cent of under-five mortality in Nigeria, with the infant mortality as high as 103 per 1,000 live births.
“Although, Nigeria is often seen to be blessed with various foods across the regions of the country, it has become clear that appropriate feeding practices for children is lacking among its people.
“Breast milk is important to the proper growth and development of infants, as it contains the nutrients and antibodies needed by infants to grow strong and healthy.
public and private sectors, as had been adopted in some states for their public sector workers.
ties such as breastfeeding rooms, on-site creches, and flexible work hours for mothers.
“Private sector employers can be given incentives with tax breaks, to encourage baby friendly workplaces and six months maternity leave; and mother should be guaranteed their jobs on return from maternity leave.
“Malnutrition can be ended in Nigeria, with the implementation of key strategies.
“Promoting exclusive breastfeeding for infants will help promote healthy growth and development, and proper complimentary feeding will also ensure that every child grows properly.
“This can only be achieved with an inclusive stakeholders’ action, that includes the mothers, fathers, extended family members and community members, government and medical facilities.
“They all play an active role in ensuring that babies are properly breastfed and grow healthy,” Jikeme said.