The Wife of the Anambra State Governor and Founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has called on expectant and nursing mothers across the state to embrace exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life, describing it as one of the most effective ways to ensure healthy child growth and development.
In a message marking the commencement of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, Dr. Soludo said every child deserves the healthiest possible start in life.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed globally from August 1 to 7 each year to promote breastfeeding as a key strategy for improving infant nutrition, health, and survival, while encouraging governments, health institutions, and communities to create enabling environments for nursing mothers.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” Mrs. Soludo stressed that breastfeeding is a priceless gift that promotes healthy growth, strengthens immunity, and fosters a lasting bond between mother and child.
She commended mothers for their sacrifices in nurturing and protecting their children, noting that breastfeeding plays a critical role in improving child survival and overall well-being.
The First Lady urged mothers to follow the recommendation of health experts by practising exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth.
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According to her, babies do not require water, herbal mixtures, or any other food during this period, as breast milk alone provides all the nutrients they need while protecting them from infections and significantly reducing childhood illnesses and mortality.
Dr. Soludo reaffirmed the Anambra State Government’s commitment to improving maternal and child health through sustained awareness campaigns and health interventions.
She said the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, alongside the state government’s maternal and child healthcare programmes, would continue to educate and support mothers and families on the benefits of breastfeeding.
“We are building an Anambra where every mother is empowered to breastfeed with confidence, and every child is given the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning,” she said.
