CS-SUNN Bayelsa Renews Call For Extension Of Breastfeeding.

From Rhoda Godwin in Yenagoa*

The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has renewed its call to increase maternity leave in Bayelsa State from three to six months to encourage mothers to exclusively breastfeed.

During a meeting with the Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment, and Social Development, Mrs Elizabeth Bidei, yesterday, CS-SUNN Bayelsa State Coordinator, Mrs Ekinabhari Unity Ototo, emphasised the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for infant nutrition.

Ototo emphasised that CS-SUNN in Bayelsa is committed to implementing nutrition plans and programs that directly impact women and children, pointing out that exclusive breastfeeding without adding water or other liquids is one way to achieve optimal nutrition.

She urged the Commissioner to support CS-SUNN’s efforts to encourage young women to breastfeed their babies to ensure the health of the state’s children.
Lady Eunice Nnachi, Lead Advocacy CS-SUNN, emphasised the importance of the ministry’s ongoing support for the organisation by raising awareness about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

She also advocated for increased media coverage to educate the public about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for children, women, and society as a whole.
Commissioner Bidei responded by acknowledging the importance of raising awareness about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, particularly among women in rural areas.

“Our advocacy should not be limited to the capital city; we should reach out to the hinterlands,” she said.

“Previously, it was exclusive breastfeeding, but we have changed that; we need to go back and continue to encourage them to breastfeed.”
Bidei assured that the ministry will provide CS-SUNN with the necessary support to carry out its activities, which align with the plans and programs of the prosperity administration in the state.

She expressed gratitude for the visit and urged the organisation to keep working tirelessly to achieve its goals.

Remember that CS-SUNN’s advocacy efforts are part of a larger campaign to increase maternity leave to six months in several states across Nigeria.

The organisation has collaborated with civil society organisations, the government, and the media to advocate for improved funding and policies that support maternal and child nutrition.