Aug 5, 2008 - 2008 Second Round Child Health Week And 2008 World Breast Feeding Week Celebrations
I am very delighted to be here today as we celebrate first, the grand finale of the 2008 second round Child Health Week and second, the 2008 World Breastfeeding Week. These two celebrations taking place here today simultaneously is a clear demonstration of the continuing commitment of the State Government to the survival and healthy growth of our children, the leaders of tomorrow.
The theme for this second round of Child Health Week, I am informed remains the same as that of the first round which took place three months ago i.e. “A Healthy Child, a Brighter Rewarding Future” with the slogan “Every Child, a Pride of the Family”, while that of the Breastfeeding Week is “Mother Support: Going for the Gold” with the slogan “Every one Wins”
On behalf of parents especially mothers in the State, I want to commend the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Health for sustaining the Child Health Week which was an annual event for six years and from last year became an event to be celebrated twice a year. This, I am certain, is in recognition of the effectiveness of this strategy as shown by the positive impact on routine immunization coverage as well as increased awareness on the part of the family especially mothers and caregivers of children under the age of 5 years, in respect of services that are being provided in the Primary Health Care facilities in the Local Governments and the Community Health Departments of the various General Hospitals in the State.
Breastfeeding which is also being celebrated today represents a vital foundation for the optimal growth and development of the child. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life provides the best possible start to life in all areas of development. What it means is that any woman, who want her child to have good chance of survival, develop normally, protect the child from avoidable diseases and so on, must ensure that her child is fed only on breast mild for the first six months after birth. Not only that, she must also continue breast feeding and combine it with other appropriate foods for up to two years and beyond. This, according to this year’s theme is the Gold standard which we must work towards achieving for the sake of our future.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, you will agree with me that due to various factors that exist in the present day system, exclusive breastfeeding has become a major challenge for a lot of women. However, given the serious consequences which the society stands to suffer as a result of non-adherence to this standard, we need to offer necessary support and create the right condition that will encourage mothers, to overcome these challenges. These challenges include misinformation, pressure of work, coping in emergency situation and most importantly overcoming doubts about ability to breastfeed.
My appeal to all mothers is to strive hard to achieve the required standard of breastfeeding because it is key to their general wellbeing. I pray that we shall live to reap the fruits of our labour on these children.
I congratulate in advance the winner of the “Outstanding Father” award, the two breastfeeding champions as well as the Child Health Week Prince and Princess.
Finally, I commend the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for all their efforts towards the successful implementation of all the child survival and development policies of the State Government.
I thank you all for your attention. God bless you all.
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State