Mwanza District Council Health Committee has advised mothers in the district not to stop breastfeeding their children when they are still young.

The committee’s chairperson Steve Kasambwe said this yesterday at the launch of this year’s breastfeeding commemoration week, which started with a parade at Mwanza Boma.

“Let me encourage mothers to breastfeed their children because it is crucial for the growth of the children,” he said.

Healthcare workers and communities carry placards during the parade

Mwanza district commissioner Malango Botomani said the commemoration was significant as it helped to bring awareness to community members about the importance of breastfeeding.

“The development of the district and the nation depends on healthy people. That is why Mwanza District Council in collaboration with stakeholders conducts the event in annually,” she said.

Botomani also asked men to encourage mothers to breastfeed their children, saying breast milk was essential for the growth of babies.

Mwanza district principal nutrition, HIV and Aids officer Kondwani Chavula said malnutrition will decline in the district if mothers breastfeed their children.

He said: “In the district, 31 children out of every 100 are stunted. That is on the higher side. That is why we are implementing various nutrition interventions to reduce stunting.”

Charity Nkhata from Inkosi Kanduku Maseko encouraged her fellow mothers to breastfeed their children until at least two years.

She said: “There is a tendency to stop breastfeeding children. Instead, mothers give children supplementary milk and juice.

“As advised by healthcare personnel, mother’s milk contains necessary nutrients for the child to grow health.”

The event, held under the theme ‘Step Up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support’ was funded by Malawi Red Cross Society, the World Bank, Mary’s Meals, Concern Worldwide and Unicef.

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