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South Sudan’s Minister of Health, Yolanda Awel Deng, said breast milk is the best way to give babies a healthy start in life.
Deng, speaking at an event marking World Breastfeeding Week in Juba on Thursday, called on mothers to exclusively breastfeed their newborns for six months to ensure their healthy development.
“South Sudan has laws to protect mothers, but they must be enforced. The health, social and economic benefits of breastfeeding for children and mothers have been proven around the world,” she said.
“Breastfeeding can sometimes help you mentally, emotionally and physically. Most women who exclusively breastfeed for the first six months are very healthy.”
UNICEF Representative in South Sudan, Hamida Raseko, reiterated that breastfeeding helps babies develop and strengthen their immune systems.
“I’m just re-emphasizing that breastfeeding helps the baby’s immune system develop and strengthen. But most importantly, it provides psychological support,” she said.
“Anyone who has breastfed knows what I mean by psychological support,” she added, noting that the eye contact between baby and mother during breastfeeding leaves a lifelong impression.
WHO Representative Dr Humphrey Karamaj said nutrition remains a huge challenge in South Sudan.
“Although South Sudan has made great progress, I think we still have a long way to go. We need to redouble our efforts to improve the situation. We know that nutrition is a big challenge in the lives of the South Sudanese people,” Karamaj said.
The event, themed “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All”, aims to raise public awareness about exclusive breastfeeding and infant nutrition.
Experts say that breast milk is a nutritional treasure for babies, providing them with all the necessary nutrients from six months to two years old.
It acts as a powerful immunity against life-threatening diseases and prevents diarrhea and respiratory infections.
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