By Nnedinma Okeke
The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and development partners, has taken the campaign for exclusive breastfeeding to the streets of Awka, urging mothers to give their babies only breast milk for the first six months of life.
The campaign featured a road walk held on August 8, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), themed, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.” The walk commenced at Ekwueme Square and proceeded through Aroma to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, and other parts of Awka.
Speaking during the exercise, the Anambra State Breastfeeding Focal Person, Mrs Ngozi Onor, said the activity was aimed at sensitising residents on the importance of breastfeeding and promoting sustainable breastfeeding practices stressing that successful breastfeeding requires the support and involvement of families, friends, communities and workplaces.
She also emphasised the importance of initiating breastfeeding immediately after childbirth, noting that early breastfeeding enables newborns to receive colostrum, the first form of breast milk produced after delivery. According to her, colostrum is rich in protein, antibodies and immune cells that help protect newborn babies from infections and support their development adding that children who are properly breastfed are better positioned to grow in wisdom, knowledge and strength.
The ASPHCDA Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) Programme Officer, Mrs Edith Ezenwosu, said proper breastfeeding contributes significantly to children’s intellectual and behavioural development. Mrs. Ezenwosu noted that adequate breastfeeding during infancy could have positive effects on children’s growth and development into adulthood.
Also speaking, the ASPHCDA State Health Educator, Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina, urged pregnant women to attend antenatal care regularly to receive appropriate education on breastfeeding. She said antenatal services provide expectant mothers with important information on breast and nipple care, proper breastfeeding positioning and attachment, as well as other preparations for successful breastfeeding after delivery.
Mrs. Onwuegbuzina explained that breast milk contains sufficient water to meet the hydration needs of babies during their first six months, stressing that babies do not require additional water during the period when they are being exclusively breastfed. She further encouraged mothers and caregivers to ensure that their children receive routine immunisations, noting that immunisation services are provided free of charge.
An advocate of breastfeeding, Mr Chukwudi Ezeubrio, an indigene of Ubenu in Awka North Local Government Area, called on fathers to actively support breastfeeding mothers. Mr. Ezeubrio said breastfeeding has numerous benefits not only for babies and mothers but also for fathers, families and communities.
He urged families and communities to create an enabling environment where mothers can breastfeed successfully, stressing that collective support is essential to achieving improved child health and sustainable development. The campaign reinforced the call for greater public awareness and community support for exclusive breastfeeding as a key intervention for giving children a healthy start in life.
Nnedinma Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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