A professor of Pediatric and Child Health, Alice Romoke-Nte says the aggressive marketing of breast milk substitute by manufacturers is responsible for the gap in breastfeeding of children by mothers in Nigeria.
Professor Nte who is also the coordinator, Baby Friendly Initiative at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital said the advertising of these baby food weakens the confidence of the mothers and makes them feel that these breast milk substitute are better off.
Professor Nte said this has left only twenty nine percent of Nigerian babies are breastfed as a result.
Professor Alice Nte said the UPTH, Rotary Clubs in Port Harcourt and other stakeholders are using this Year’s World Breastfeeding week to carry out aggressive campaign to raise awareness for the need of exclusive breastfeeding.
She said the international code of marketing of breast milk substitute will be included in steps to ensure full compliance of marketing these artificial body foods.
Our correspondent reports that Rotary clubs in Port Harcourt that will join in the rally this morning for exclusive breastfeeding to mark the World Breastfeeding week includes, Rotary club of Port Harcourt Gardencity, Top Health, Seaport, Eco, Atlantic City and Golf Estate.
Others include, Rotary club of Port Harcourt Gateway, City Valley, Passport, Creek View, Skywaves and Rotary club of Port Harcourt.
