Men Urged to Promote Breastfeeding for Child Health in Nkhotakota
Lissa Nthiliro, the Nutrition Officer at Nkhotakota District Hospital, echoed these sentiments, emphasising that men should not leave the responsibility of childcare solely to women.
Nkhotakota, Malawi— Men in Nkhotakota have been called upon to play a proactive role in encouraging women to breastfeed their children during the launch of World Breastfeeding Week at Abuja Ground in the village of Mgombe, Traditional Authority (TA) Kalimanjira in the district, writes Fletcher Chiponda.
The event saw community leaders and health officials emphasise the critical importance of breastfeeding for infant health.
Representing the District Commissioner, Siliro Nkhukuzalira Magomero, Chief Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Officer (CAENRO), underlined the significance of breastfeeding, saying that it lays the foundation for a healthy life from birth.
"Life starts at birth because it determines the future of the newborn. So, once a child is born, it is crucial to breastfeed them because breast milk contains all the essential nutrients needed to boost a child's immunity and protect them against diseases. Consequently, I urge my fellow men to actively participate and support breastfeeding, including encouraging women to breastfeed their children regularly," stated Magomero.
Lissa Nthiliro, the Nutrition Officer at Nkhotakota District Hospital, echoed these sentiments, emphasising that men should not leave the responsibility of childcare solely to women.
"Many men neglect their roles in caring for their children and even fail to accompany their wives to the hospital for check-ups. This neglect contributes to high rates of malnutrition among children in the district," Nthiliro explained.
This year's World Breastfeeding Week carries the theme 'Enabling Breastfeeding, Making a Difference for Working Parents.'
The focus is on creating an environment where working parents, particularly working mothers, can continue to breastfeed their infants.
The event serves as a reminder of the vital role breastfeeding plays in ensuring child health and underscores the need for collective efforts to support and promote it in the community.