The Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigerian (ANRiN) project has mobilised students of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department of Kaduna Polytechnic to bolster breastfeeding.
This is the bid to promote and become ambassadors of breastfeeding for a more productive future for children.
To this effect, the project convened a one-day symposium to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) on Tuesday in Kaduna.
ANRiN Project Coordinator, Dr Zainab Muhammad-Idris, said the students were critical to the future of better nutrition in society.
The theme of the year’s week is ‘Closing The Gap: Breastfeeding Support For All.’
She said,” When the students graduate and become nutritionists and dietitians, they will provide services to babies, breastfeeding and pregnant mothers.
‘The students will be critical in passing out the message of breastfeeding at both facility level and community level.
”They will also assist with the right counselling to improve maternal, infant and young child nutrition practices.”
Muhammad-Idris, therefore, said that in the end, the students would be the foot soldiers and front-line service providers who would offer the services to beneficiaries.
Commenting on the year’s WBW theme, the project coordinator said, ” Every person is needed to have all that is required to do the right thing.
”This is in playing their roles for optimum breastfeeding for the benefit of having a healthy and productive society.
“Our health care providers are key in making sure the right information is provided and people get the right messages.
”These messages will make them have informed choices on early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life with zero water.
“The health care providers will also ensure information on continued breastfeeding after the first six months and the introduction of complementary feeding,” she said.
According to Muhammad-Idris, the students need to have the information and knowledge so they can go out and obtain the right information that will ensure the needed improved services.
The Programme Manager, Nutrition of the state Ministry for Health, Hauwa Aliyu, said the symposium was aimed at raising awareness about the importance of breastfeeding, and its impact on the health and well-being of mothers and babies.
She added that the symposium aimed to educate the students and the public about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
These include the reduction of infant mortality, prevention of malnutrition, and promotion of optimal child development.
“By bringing together experts, stakeholders, and advocates, the symposium aims to inspire action and foster collaboration.
”It will also strengthen efforts to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding, ultimately contributing to a healthier and brighter future for mothers and children,” Aliyu said.
Speaking on the importance of breastfeeding, Hauwa Usman, a Nutrition Specialist with ANRiN, said it was essential for the optimal growth and development of infants.
This is by providing them with the necessary nutrients, antibodies, and hormones for healthy growth.
She explained that breast milk contains the perfect mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, thereby making it the ideal food for babies.
Usman added that breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and child, thereby fostering a sense of security and attachment.
“Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for both mothers and babies.
”For infants, it reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea, and ear infections, while also lowering the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
“For mothers, breastfeeding helps with postpartum recovery, reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and promotes weight loss, also supports contractions, helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.
“Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is crucial for optimal infant development, and continued breastfeeding along with solid foods until two years or beyond offers sustained benefits.
“By promoting breastfeeding, we can empower mothers to give their children the best possible start in life,” the specialist said.
Delivering a presentation, the Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, Aliyu Hassan, said effective breastfeeding and appropriate complementation were potent strategies for preventing childhood malnutrition.
The topic of his presentation was ‘Effective Breastfeeding and Complementation: A Panacea For Prevention Of Childhood Malnutrition’.
Hassan explained that breast milk provides optimal nutrition for infants, while complementary foods introduce essential nutrients, promoting healthy growth and development.
When combined, he said, they formed a powerful duo, adding, ”thereby shielding the children from the devastating effects of malnutrition such as stunted growth, weakened immunity, and impaired cognitive development.
”By embracing effective breastfeeding and timely complementation, the health and well-being of the future generations could be safeguarded.
“This winning combination empowers mothers to nurture their children, fostering resilience against malnutrition and its far-reaching consequences.
”As a result, we can break the cycle of malnutrition, unlocking a brighter future for children, families, and communities worldwide,” he said.
Speaking on maternal nutrition status, breastfeeding child survival outcomes and the way forward, Dr Fatima Abdullahi, a Consultant Pediatrician, said maternal nutrition status significantly impacts breastfeeding success and child survival outcomes.
She said a well-nourished mother produces high-quality milk which boosts child health and survival chances.
Abdullahi said, “To improve child survival outcomes, she said there must be prioritisation of maternal nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and access to nutrient-rich foods, ensuring a healthier future for mothers and children.”
Some of the stakeholders at the symposium included: Alive and Thrive and the Kaduna State Emergency Nutrition Action Plan (KADENAP).
Others were: The Society for Family Health and the Planning and Budget Commission, where the State Committee on Food and Nutrition is domiciled.
The stakeholders commended ANRiN for its commitment to promoting nutrition in the state.
They also restated their commitment to supporting initiatives that would enhance children’s and mother’s well-being for a better and more productive society.
NAN
