The Wife of the State Chief Executive Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom Wike has advocated for more intensive breast feeding lessons during antenatal visits to hospitals.
Justice Wike stated this during a Two-Day Advocacy and Sensitization Meeting with Women Policy Makers and Wives of Political Leaders on Breast Feeding and the International Code of Breast Milk Substitutes in Rivers State. On Monday 20th May 2019 at the NBA House in Port Harcourt.
Justice Wike who expressed the desire to hit 100% of the WHO target of exclusive breast feeding for Rivers State described breast milk as a baby’s first vaccine, noting that children who are breast fed properly do not fall sick easily and are well bonded with their parents.
According to her, malnutrition and diet related non communicable diseases remains a Public Health Challenge especially amongst women and children, stressing that the idea of the investiture of the Deputy Governor, Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo as Breast Feeding Champion of Rivers State, would facilitate the enactment of a policy for a 6 month maternity leave in Rivers State.
In her response the State Deputy Governor Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo who expressed gratitude for the investiture said breast feeding is key to achieving our nutritional goals.
She said Governor Wike is committed to tackling the health challenges of the Rivers People, especially children and mothers which according to her, informed his decision to construct top notch health facilities across the State including a Mother and Child Hospital which has attracted a lot of accolades to the State.
Also Speaking the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Rivers State Mr. Wilbroad Mgambi commended the Wife of the State Chief Executive, Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom Wike and the Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo for their commitment in promoting nutrition for the children of the State.
The State Commissioner for Health Prof Princewill Chike and his women Affairs Counterpart Mrs. Ukiel Oyaghiri presented goodwill messages at the occasion.
