Borno First Lady Seeks 6 Months Maternity Leave For Breastfeeding Mothers

First lady of Borno State, Dr Falmata Zulum, has called for implementation of six months maternity leave for nursing mothers by government to encourage exclusive breastfeeding.

Mrs Zulum made the call yesterday in Maiduguri while flagging-off the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week.

Represented by the commissioner for women affairs and social development,  Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, she said the week constituted a clarion call to collective action and collaborative efforts to precipitate transformative change.

She advocated for the  establishment of a comprehensive support framework comprising breastfeeding-friendly healthcare facilities, supportive communities, and accommodating workplaces.

She said, “I fully support working mothers having six months maternity leave to practice exclusive breastfeeding. The theme ‘Closing the Gap, Breastfeeding Support for All’ highlights the imperative of inclusivity and universality in our pursuit of a breastfeeding -conducive environment, accessible to all individuals.

“In alignment with the policy recommendation by the WHO-UNICEF-led Global Breastfeeding Collective, we issue a formal appeal for enhanced investments in comprehensive breastfeeding initiatives, improved breastfeeding counseling and support for women within healthcare facilities and community contexts,” Zulum said.

In his goodwill message, the Chief of UNICEF Borno Field Office, Dr Tushar Rane, raised concern over the dwindling position of Borno in achieving the global target.