COVID-19: Breastfeeding still best for mothers, babies — UNICEF vanguardnews
Studies have shown that breastmilk saves children’s lives as it provides antibodies that give babies a healthy boost and protect them against many childhood illnesses. While researchers continue to test breastmilk from mothers with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, current evidence indicates that it is unlikely that COVID-19 would be transmitted through breastfeeding.This year’s World Breastfeeding Week is themed: “Supporting breastfeeding for a healthier planet.
On his part, UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins, said: “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, like most emergencies, leaves families with children in an extremely vulnerable position. UNICEF and WHO recommend that babies be fed only breastmilk for their first 6 months, after which they should continue breastfeeding – as well as eating other nutritious and safe foods – until 2 years of age or beyond. Currently, only 29 percent of Nigerian children between the ages of 0 to 6 months are exclusively breastfed.
UNICEF further called on relevant agencies to strictly enforce adherence to the National Regulation on the Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and relevant World Health Assembly resolutions by putting to a stop to the unwholesome marketing of breastmilk substitutes. Civil society organizations should also not seek or accept donations of breastmilk substitutes in emergency situations.
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