Lokapel – 6th August, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The County Health Management Team celebrated World Breastfeeding Day to raise awareness to support breastfeeding mothers and its benefits to a child as it reduces chance malnutrition, illness and boosts overall well-being.

The World Breastfeeding Week is marked globally from 1st August to 7th August and this year’s theme being “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.”

Supported by USAID NAWIRI, the county’s celebration took place in Lokapel, Turkana South with the intent to provide breastfeeding education and call for support for mothers to breastfeed anytime and anywhere.

Speaking during the event, Director for Monitoring and Evaluation, James Lobokan pointed out that, “Breastfeeding serves as a baby’s first food and vaccination, shielding them from a variety of common childhood illnesses.”

Director Lobokan urged the men in the community to assist their wives with household responsibilities, so as to give mothers adequate time to breastfeed their children.

Deputy Director for Nutrition and Dietetics, Calis Elamach, emphasized that mothers should exclusively breastfeed their babies from birth to six months. This is, he said, was to protect the children against illnesses and strengthen their bond.

He added that a mother should also be healthy to breastfeed a child. He advised mothers to been on breastfeeding education, especially regarding their own nutrition.

The USAID Nawiri representative, Lominito Lomoru, emphasized cleanliness and hygiene before breastfeeding a child should be adhered to as it would reduce instances of diarrheal diseases.

Present at the event were Assistant Director for Administration-Morris Katuko, the Turkana South Sub-county Health Management Team, Member of the County Assembly for Katilu Ward – Hon. Samal Etubon, ward administrators and Assistant Chiefs for Lokapel and Kanaodon.