The authorities of Fidson Healthcare Plc have described breastfeeding as the best source of nourishment for infants and young children. “This is the cornerstone of a child’s healthy growth,” the company’s Marketing Manager, Mr. Friday Enaholo, said.
Enaholo urged Nigerian women to breastfeed their babies in order to stave off diseases and infections.
The advice is in commemoration of the World Breastfeeding Week, which is marked from August 1-7 every year.
The World Health Organisation said that increased child mortality is, in part, due to lack of adequate breastfeeding.
It estimated that 3.1 million children die annually due to undernutrition. The WHO says over 800,000 children under age five could be saved annually if they were breastfed optimally from age zero to 23 months.
Enaholo said breast milk is an essential source of energy and nutrients for children, being a critical source of nourishment during illness.
He also noted that supporting breastfeeding is one of the viable health investments any government can make, especially in preventing child mortality, improving maternal and child health. He therefore advocated support for breastfeeding, especially for working mothers.