Wife of the Rivers State governor, Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, has counselled mothers on the importance of embracing exclusive breastfeeding and also being watchful to detect signs of malnutrition of their children early.
She said such vigilance will help them in seeking appropriate medical attention to address identified issues that threaten the health of their children.
Lady Fubara gave the advice when she officially inaugurated the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) sites, located at the Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt, organised by the State Ministry of Health.
The governor’s wife told women that it is important for them to follow through every recommended medical tip provided to them concerning their wards that have been diagnosed with malnutrition.
“Just as you have been told, exclusive breastfeeding is very important. I know that there are important antibodies in the breast milk that are vital to the child which cannot be got from many food. Once the child gets them, it will be easy to fight against diseases. Take every other medical advice to you serious,” she said.
At the event, Mrs Fubara was awarded the status of the “Nutrition Champion” of the state for her commitment and support towards the eradication of incidences of malnutrition in the state.
Rivers State commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, said the IMAM sites were six in number that will cater for children under the ages of five who have been diagnosed with malnutrition.
Oreh said the sites would assist in fostering appropriate management and treatment of malnutrition with a variety of other long-term interventions like nutrition education, infant and young child feeding as well as food security.
