Breastfeeding Week 2023:Yobe Govt.Sensitises Stakeholders On Proposed 6 Month Maternity Leave

By:MURJANATU HAMISU YELWA 

In commemoration to mark the world breastfeeding week 2023 with the theme: making a difference for working parent,the  Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Yobe State primary health care management Board organizes a one day sensitization and advocacy meeting with the private sector on enabling breastfeeding, 6 months maternity leave, introduction of paternity leave as well as a baby friendly work places for breastfeeding mothers.

The Director community and family health Yobe State Primary Healthcare Management Board Muhammad Ali in his welcome remarks said the objective of the meeting is to sensitize stakeholders on the impact of breastfeeding, maternity and paternity leave and also baby friendly work spaces.

The Sensitization  Exercise  which took place at Ceedars Conference Hall Damaturu in attendance are Secretary to Yobe State government Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali represented,

the Executive Secretary Yobe State Primary Healthcare Management Board,

represetative of Chaiman house committee of health,FIDA,General Manager Yobe State Television (YTV), Yobe Broadcasting (YBC), Representive of  Ministry of Budget, Ministry of women affairs,Traditional rulers as well as Organised private sector amongst others.

The State Nutrition Officer Hadiza Maina Adam in her presentation discussed about how exclusive breastfeeding is important to a child as it reduces the risk of disease in child's health and it is the most effective way to ensure that a child's health and survival is guaranteed.

She also disclosed that the Yobe State Government in 2022 recorded 38% of exclusive breastfeeding in the State.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Alhaji Muhammad Jawa in his remarks assured that they would do their best to see that the issue of 6 month maternity leave is considered in the State.

In his Remarks the Executive Secretary Yobe State Primary Healthcare Management Agency Dr.Babagana Kundi also talked about progress towards protecting and promoting breastfeeding which resulted to the issues where 6 months maternity leave should be given to breastfeeding mothers instead of the initial 3 months.

Goodwill Messages where given by partners such as FHI360, ASA Health among others. 

Panel discussions where made on the issue and also questions and answers from people respectively.