The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has urged mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, describing breast milk as essential for proper nutrition and stronger immunity against childhood diseases.
The Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Hilary Okeke, made the call at the Maternal and Child Healthcare Clinic in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, during activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.
The programme was organised in partnership with the Idemili North Local Government Area Council.
Dr. Okeke advised pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers to disregard misconceptions about breastfeeding and ensure that babies are introduced to breast milk immediately after birth.
He described breast milk as a baby’s “first vaccine” and urged mothers to maintain exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
According to him, available data indicate that a significant number of Nigerian women do not practise exclusive breastfeeding, stressing the need for greater community awareness and support.
He also encouraged pregnant women to register early for antenatal care and begin breastfeeding immediately after delivery, particularly within the first hour of birth.
Dr. Okeke called on employers and institutions to support breastfeeding mothers by implementing baby-friendly workplace policies and providing adequate maternity leave.
Addressing concerns surrounding HIV and breastfeeding, the ANSACA boss said women living with HIV should not be denied the opportunity to become mothers.
He explained that with early antenatal care, adherence to prescribed antiretroviral treatment and proper medical guidance, the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be significantly reduced.
Dr. Okeke commended the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for what he described as significant interventions in the state’s health sector, including free antenatal and delivery services for pregnant women in government general hospitals.
He also congratulated the Governor’s wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, on receiving the 2026 BudgIT Active Citizens Award for Health Activism.
The Director of Primary Healthcare in Idemili North, Lady Chinwe Okeke, said exclusive breastfeeding provides babies with essential nutrients, strengthens their immune systems and protects them against several childhood illnesses.
Similarly, the wife of the Idemili North Local Government Mayor, Lady Eberechukwu Nkwoka, encouraged mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding and prioritise the health and wellbeing of their children.
Some pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers who attended the programme, including Iheukwumere Ezeakor, Adaora Aghalike and Chinecherem Amaife, testified to benefiting from the free antenatal and delivery services provided by the Soludo administration.
They expressed appreciation to the state government for the initiative and called for its continued implementation to support mothers and children across Anambra State.
