By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Senior Program Officer at the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) has underscored the significance of creating awareness among support staff on the importance of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) concept.
Speaking at the daylong forum held with the support staff at Essau Health Directorate in North Bank Region, Fatou Drammeh noted that breastfeeding is a crucial component of a child’s growth and therefore reaching out to cleaners, drivers, hospital security, and the mechanic was to ensure that all hands are on deck to complement each other’s effort including nurses and Midwives.
This will promote and protect breastfeeding at the facility level.
She called on pregnant women and mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding and seek advice on the preparation of complementary food.
Madam Drammeh said feeding bottles and teats are against the principle of promoting breastfeeding and, therefore, called on participants to be observant.
Alpha Mballow Nutrition Field Officer at Essau Health Directorate described the important roles that the supporting staffs play in the day-to-day operations at the facility. He said there is a need to ensure all deliveries conducted at the facility level are breastfed within 1hour after birth. The awareness program targeting support staff will bring about positive change in Breastfeeding.
Haddy Crookes, Senior Program Officer Coordinating BFHI said the awareness program would contribute to creating public awareness of the significance of breastfeeding and early initiation. The active participation of support staff complements the work of nurses and Midwives to ensure the facility attends certification.
Mam NgorrNdow Chief Security officer at the hospital, Fabakary Bass Nutrition Field Coordinator at NaNA, and Hina Sonko fondly known as Amie Sonko of Essau described exclusive breastfeeding as an important ingredient in the development of a child while as well thanked the participants and partners.
