Godwin Gumbo

Bulilima District hosted the belated World Breastfeeding Week on Monday, 26 August 2024, at Bhagani Business Centre, which drew attendees from the Bulilima community and stakeholders as well as non-governmental organizations.

Speaking during the celebrations, which ran under the theme “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all”, Bulilima District Environmental Health Officer Mr T. Mpofu encouraged mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding and emphasized how it also benefits them.

“Omama bavikeleka kumikhuhlane ehluphayo efana labo breast cancer le Bp” (Breastfeeding helps lower the risk of breast cancer and hypertension). He further alluded to how breastfeeding provides a balanced diet for infants.

Mr Mpofu also touched on how mothers should take care of themselves during what he termed the first “1000” days of pregnancy, which include an extra meal on top of their usual diet and rights to maternity leave.

Various speakers, including nutritionists and health workers, highlighted why mothers need to be accorded adequate time to breastfeed and denounced giving water to infants under six months. Lead Mothers from Gwambe who participated at the celebrations conveyed breastfeeding awareness through drama and poetry.

Babongile Gumbo, a young mother, gave a presentation on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and the advantages it has, like the hygienic nature of breastmilk and strengthening the bond between the baby and mother.

Breastfeeding week is observed from the 1st to the 7th of August every year by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding to both mother and child. This year’s Bulilima District celebrations were held at Bhagani in Ward 21 and were graced by the Ward 21 Councillor Dolly Dube, officials from the Office of the DDC, Ministry of Health and Child Care, ORAP and NAZ.