‘Breastmilk Is Nature’s Vaccine’ — Anambra Health Agency Boss
Anambra State has flagged off the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), celebrated annually from August 1 to 7.
The event, themed “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support System”, aims to raise awareness on the vital benefits of breastfeeding for children and mothers, while promoting supportive environments at home, workplaces, and within communities.
The flag-off ceremony, which was held at Anaocha Local Government Secretariat in Neni, drew participants from across sectors, including government officials, health workers, traditional rulers, community leaders, and development partners.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike, highlighted the nutritional and emotional value of breastmilk, describing it as nature’s perfect food for infants.
“Breastmilk contains essential nutrients, antibodies, and supports brain development. It strengthens the bond between mother and child and benefits families and society at large,” he said.
He stressed the importance of exclusive breastfeeding without water for babies aged zero to six months, noting that it helps lay the foundation for a healthier future and better social outcomes.
Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Chisom Uchem, described breastmilk as a “super vaccine” that protects infants against diseases and infections.
She acknowledged that breastfeeding can be challenging for some mothers and called for collective efforts to create enabling environments for them.
“Our duty is to ensure mothers feel supported, informed, and empowered to breastfeed successfully whether at home or in the workplace,” Uchem said.
Chairman of Anaocha Local Government, Romanus Ibekwe, also underscored the significance of breastfeeding in early childhood development, describing it as the first step in mentoring a child.
“Breastfeeding enhances communication, emotional bonding, and gives mothers the opportunity to monitor their babies’ well-being closely,” he stated.
He encouraged mothers to embrace breastfeeding, not just for its nutritional value but for its role in maternal health, including cancer prevention.
Also speaking at the event, Veronica Ibeabuchi, Chief Regulatory Officer at NAFDAC Anambra State, reminded attendees that infant formula is no substitute for breastmilk.
She said NAFDAC is working to enforce a code of marketing for breastmilk substitutes to prevent misleading advertisements that could discourage breastfeeding.
“We’re ensuring that no promotional activity undermines the practice of breastfeeding. Breastmilk is free, effective, and far superior to any manufactured substitute,” she said.
Representatives from UNICEF, the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, and Ward Development Committees were also present at the event, which concluded with the presentation of gifts to mothers who practised exclusive breastfeeding.
‘Breastmilk Is Nature’s Vaccine’ — Anambra Health Agency Boss is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
