Mothers in South Sudan’s Bor town of Jonglei State have been urged to ‘exclusively breastfeed’ their babies to prevent early childhood diseases.
Addressing the press on Tuesday during an event to mark the World Breastfeeding Week commemorated under the theme “Breast feeding: Foundation of Life”, Jonglei state health minister Rachel Amuor encouraged lactating mothers to feed their babies on only breast milk for six months, saying breast feeding promotes healthy early childhood development and reduces the burden of treating diseases on families and government.
Minister Amuor discouraged all cultural beliefs against breastfeeding adding that local communities including men should spearhead campaigns to encourage exclusive breast feeding among mothers.
Meanwhile, Save the Children’s program manager in Bor Erihun Tilhun said in collaboration with state health ministry and other health partners, they are treating malnourished children and creating awareness in rural areas on the importance of breastfeeding.