Communities urged to support breastfeeding

Kumasi, Aug 6, GNA - Madam Abena Akuamoah Boateng, the Ashanti Regional Nutrition Officer, has appealed to authorities of health facilities designated baby friendly, to involve the communities to promote proper breastfeeding practices.

She said exclusive breastfeeding needed the support of all members in a community to succeed.

Mad Boateng was speaking at a press conference in Kumasi to mark this year's World Breastfeeding Week celebration with the theme:

"Exclusive Breastfeeding, The Gold Standard - Safe, Sound and sustainable".

The occasion was also used to present plaques to 17 newly designated baby friendly health facilities in the region. Ashanti Region now has 31 baby friendly health facilities out of the 99 nationwide.

Madam Boateng urged baby friendly health facilities to include fathers in their community support groups to enable them to appreciate the importance of breastfeeding.

She said about 20 per cent of illnesses that affected children could be traced to improper feeding of children and urged parents to ensure exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.