Faith and cultural leaders have been urged on their vital role as critical partners in promoting breastfeeding and reducing maternal and infant mortality in Kaduna State.
The project Manager, Faith and Cultural Champions (FCC), Mrs Rabiat Sodangi
The call was made during a breastfeeding awareness programme organised by Al-Manar Women Association (AMSA) in partnership with Faith and Cultural Champions (FCC) and Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN).
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The community engagement was held at Kudansa Palace, Maraban Rido Ward, Chikun Local Government Area to commemorate the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.
Speaking at the event, the Project Manager of Faith and Cultural Champions (FCC), Mrs Rabiat Sodangi, said trusted community leaders enhance acceptance of health interventions.
A cross section of participant at the event
She said faith and cultural leaders enjoy community trust, influence and authority, making them effective advocates for positive health practices.
According to her, the breastfeeding project is being implemented in six local government areas across Kaduna State.
She said the initiative aims to improve maternal, newborn and child health while reducing maternal and infant deaths.
Sodangi said proper breastfeeding produces healthier, better nourished and more intelligent children.
She urged mothers to exclusively breastfeed infants for six months before introducing complementary feeding while continuing breastfeeding for two years.
Earlier, Dr Fatima Abdullahi, a paediatrician at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, advocated exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.
She said breastfeeding strengthens mother-child bonding and promotes healthy physical and cognitive development.
According to her, exclusive breastfeeding protects babies against diarrhoea, pneumonia, allergies and other childhood illnesses.
Abdullahi said breastfeeding also reduces mothers’ risks of postpartum bleeding, breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
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She urged governments and employers to provide paid maternity leave, workplace crèches and breastfeeding breaks.
Dr Fatima Abdullahi
The paediatrician advised families, especially husbands, to provide emotional, nutritional and practical support for breastfeeding mothers.
She also urged mothers to attend antenatal care, deliver in health facilities and initiate breastfeeding within one hour after birth.
Also speaking, the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) Consultant, Joro Adam, called for greater involvement of fathers in breastfeeding education.
Adam said fathers play important roles in encouraging successful breastfeeding practices at home.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants received health talks, breastfeeding demonstrations and interactive question and answer sessions.
They also learned the benefits of early breastfeeding initiation for infant survival, healthy growth and brain development.
(NAN)
