By Suoyo EkuboÂ
The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board in collaboration with the 23 LGAs in the state commemorated the World Breastfeeding Week held on 1st to 7th August to sensitize women on the `act of breastfeeding ‘ and the benefits of breastfeeding to the mother, baby and community at large.
The theme for this years Breastfeeding Week was; Step Up For breastfeeding: Educate and Support.
it was a very colorful and well attended event all through the week at the facility level and the flag offs. Mothers and stakeholders were thoroughly educated as well as communities to support all breastfeeding mothers to optimally breastfeed their babies exclusively for first 6months of life.
The Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board organized road shows/rallies, radio and Television sensitization interviews, health education talks, flag off ceremonies, engagement meetings and gift presentations which was championed by the wives of the LGA chairmen and the LGA supervisors for health working in synergy to give the best to the mothers in attendance.
Ahoada East LGA donated basic equipment to health facilities in their LGA while Ikwerre LGA also donated a new Primary Health Care Centre as way to commemorate the week. All other LGAs hosted baby shows and presented gifts to mothers.
Nutrition International and ARHF as well as UNICEF supported the state with sponsorship of the road shows, community dialogue, and media engagement for the week.
