As part of the series of activities marking world breastfeeding day, the National Nutrition Agency (NaNa) in collaboration with the Department of State for Health (DoSH) recently organised a breastfeeding sensitisation programme for nursing mothers held at the Fajikunda health centre.

The programme which attracted over one hundred breastfeeding mothers was sponsored by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef).

Speaking at the occasion, Jula Jaiteh, officer-in-charge of the Fajikunda Health Centre, said that breast milk contains antibiotics that fight against infections. She added that every child needs to be breastfed on demand.

Malang Janneh, the Regional Health Officer, KMC who doubles as the co-ordinator of these activities, said breastfeeding the child during the first hour after birth protects babies from stomachache.  According to Mr Janneh, this will also save mothers from bleeding and aneamia.

Participants were also sensitised about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and the impact it has on the children.