As part of our continued efforts in reaffirming our commitment to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies in the State and around the world, we visited the Maternal and Child Health Centre Orlu, Imo State on Thursday, August 5, 2021.

This outing was part of the activities outlined for the commemoration of the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), 2021 in Imo State.

The Imo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, who spoke on my behalf urged nursing and expectant mothers to become advocates of exclusive breastfeeding and support mothers to practice optimal breastfeeding for early childhood development.

We discussed the importance of immunization and engaged the women in a mini Q&A session during which the new mothers asked several questions and the Commissioner and staff members of the centre eagerly answered.

My deepest gratitude is extended to those who prayed as gifts were distributed.

In line with the theme for this year's global awareness campaign, "Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility", the attention of the world is moved to celebrate and also encourage women to breastfeed their children in order to provide them with essential nutrients and to protect them from many infections and diseases that infants are prone to.

Happy #WorldBreastfeedingWeek2021!

H.E. Barr. Chioma Uzodimma
First Lady, Imo State