I officially flagged off the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week in Owerri on August 13, 2024, where I encouraged mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and to continue breastfeeding alongside solid foods until at least two years or beyond, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Represented at the event by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Nkechinyere Ugwu UNJP, I emphasized the critical importance of breastfeeding in public health, particularly in supporting infant life. The event, themed "Closing the Gap...Break the Record, Break Barriers: Break Feeding Support for All," highlighted breastfeeding's numerous benefits, including its role in nourishing infants, boosting the immune system, supporting brain development, fostering mother-infant bonding, and reducing the risk of infant diseases.

This global event, observed annually from August 1-7, is dedicated to reducing under-five mortality rates. I expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration of partners such as the Ministry of Primary Health, Social Services and Health Insurance, Imo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency-ISPHCDA, NPHCDA, UNICEF Nigeria, and World Health Organization Nigeria in advancing reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health programs in Imo State. I also extended my gratitude to my husband, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, for creating an enabling environment for health initiatives in Imo State, and to my colleagues in the Nigeria Governors' Spouses Forum for their commitment to promoting simultaneous breastfeeding among 30,000 women nationwide.

#BreastfeedingWeek #ClosingTheGap

#chiomauzodimma

H.E. Chief Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma
First Lady, Imo State and Founder, GoodHope Flourish Foundation
and Secretary of Renewed Hope Initiative.