Mothers in Giasaiga sub location, Sameta Sub-County have been urged to exclusively breast feed their children to enhance their health development and growth.
Josephine Gideon, a community health worker based in Giasaiga sub-location, tipped area mothers on the importance of exclusive breast feeding. .
Speaking at Riakemuma village during a community awareness field exercise, Gideon warned mothers against withdrawing their babies from breast feeding in favour of alternative foods as it threatened their health development and growth.
She reminded mothers that all children below six months, unless under unavoidable circumstances, should be subjected to exclusive breast feeding.
"I am reminding parents from the local community that exclusive breast feeding promotes sensory and mental development of the child,” said Gideon
She disclosed that, breast milk contains immune substances that help in preventing allergic reactions to food by providing a layer of protection along the baby's intestinal tract.
“Exclusive breast feeding means the baby receives only breast milk without additional solid or liquid foods, not even water,” said Gideon
Gideon disclosed that breast feeding is the most effective intervention against illnesses and child mortality affecting children aged below six years, since breast milk contains all the nutrients, water and energy required for the first six months of the baby's life.