Aisha Buhari Wants Employers To Create Breastfeeding Rooms In Work Places For Mothers

Wife of the President, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, has asked employers in Nigeria to create breastfeeding rooms in work places and flexible working hours for mothers.
She said that many working mothers would have engaged in longer sessions of breastfeeding than they are presently doing.
Aisha Buhari, spoke today, Tuesday, through the Senior Special Assistant to the President,  Dr. Hajo Sani at an occasion marking the 2007 World Breastfeeding Week celebrations in Abuja.
The President’s wife called on Government to prioritize breastfeeding programmes and policies for sustainable protection, promotion and support for breastfeeding women.
She advised media practitioners to use their platform to increase awareness and support for breastfeeding.
Aisha Buhari spoke on the Breastfeeding Advocacy Initiative, saying: “I am delighted to be part of the national launch of the Breastfeeding Advocacy Initiative (BAI) here in Nigeria, which is the first country to launch the initiative in the world. It shows our commitment in advancing breastfeeding to another level.”
In his keynote address, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole said that breastfeeding is the most effective strategy to combat malnutrition and other related conditions that contribute to infant and young child morbidity and mortality.
He said that the theme of the event reflects the partnership of all advocates, activists, decision makers, media, young people and celebrants for sustainable results.
Professor Adewole said that even though Nigeria is seen as a breastfeeding nation, with 97% compliance rate, “we are lagging behind in the area of exclusive breastfeeding, which has recorded only a marginal increase in the last 15 years.”
The Minister commended Aisha Buhari who is the national nutritional ambassador saying that her commitment to the cause of breastfeeding is unflinching.
Goodwill messages were delivered by officials from UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, DFID, USAID and Dangote Foundation.
Highlights of the event include the unveiling of the BAI logo and the presentation of the National Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) Strategy for and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) in Nigeria 2016-2020.[myad]