RSG Tasks Mothers On Exclusive Breastfeeding  …Flags off Breastfeeding Week 

The Rivers State Government has called on breastfeeding mothers to prioritize exclusive breastfeeding for their new born babies.

The government said this was necessary because of the importance of breast milk to newly born children.

Senior Special Adviser to the Rivers State Administrator on Health, Professor Chituru Orluwene, made the call during the official launching of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week across the State.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Port Harcourt, Orluwene said  the campaign is crucial in promoting optimal infant nutrition and improving maternal and child well-being.

According to him, the campaign aims at creating awareness on why mothers should do exclusive breastfeeding for their infants.

“This global event is a vital opportunity to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and their babies.

“Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child while offering the ideal nutrition babies need to grow strong and healthy,” she added.

The Special Adviser emphasized  that exclusive breastfeeding is more than a personal choice, but a public health concern, a future investment.

He explained that breast milk contains essential antibodies that protect infants from illnesses and infections, adding that it is also cost effective and sustainable in baby feeding.

Orluwene urged nursing mothers to commit to exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continue breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for up to two years and beyond.

He also called for the provision of accurate information, accessible support services, and policies that protect breastfeeding rights in workplaces and public spaces.

“We recognize that breastfeeding comes with challenges. That is why we are calling for stronger support systems at home, in the workplace, and within communities. All stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community leaders, employers, and family members, must step up to create breastfeeding-friendly environments,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers and creating support systems for them.

Commenting on the week’s theme: “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” Wachukwu said it is a call to action from families and stakeholders.

“This theme is a call to action. Breastfeeding is not the sole responsibility of the mother. It requires a collective effort from families, communities, workplaces, and the healthcare system,” he emphasized.

Wachukwu continued that breast milk provides not only nourishment but also protection against childhood illnesses, while fostering long-term health, cognitive development, and emotional bonding between mother and child.

He said the campaign must be taken seriously to dispel harmful myths and create awareness for supportive policies.

“We must raise awareness, dispel harmful myths, and advocate for supportive policies that empower women to breastfeed confidently. This campaign should be a catalyst for long-lasting change,” he stated.

By: John Bibor