Only 12.8% mothers practice early breastfeeding in Jigawa – Official

Malam Sa’id Umar, the Jigawa Nutrition Officer, says only 12.8 per cent of nursing mothers practice early initiation of breastfeeding in the state.

Umar disclosed this in Kano on Monday during a two-day media dialogue on breastfeeding organised by the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with UNICEF to commemorate 2018 breastfeeding week.

He said the figure was based on the 2016/2017 MIX survey conducted in the country.

He also disclosed that only 15.5 per cent of mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding, with complementary feeding at 27.1 per cent in the state.

The official regretted that poor breastfeeding practice accounted for poor development and growth among infants.

According to him, the statistics also indicated that acute malnutrition in the state rose from 17 per cent in 2008 to 41 per cent in 2013, while cases of stunting also increased from 34 per cent to 62 percent, within same period.

He added that inadequate food provision, diseases and unhealthy environment and inadequate access to health services were identified as some of the causes of malnutrition.

“Nursing mothers should not wash away the first thick yellowish milk during early initiation of breastfeeding.

“Early initiation commences within the first hour of delivery.

“The practice enhances brain development and healthy growth of the infant,” he said.