Promote breastfeeding education, leaders told

ZANZIBAR: RELIGIOUS leaders and members of local nutrition committees in Pemba have been urged to intensify breastfeeding education within their communities to support the Ministry of Health’s efforts in combating child malnutrition, which hinders both physical and mental development.

The call was made by Sheikh Said Ahmed Mohamed, Nutrition Coordinator from the Mufti’s Office in Pemba, during a meeting with religious leaders and members of mother-andchild nutrition committees at the Mufti’s Office in Gombani, Chake Chake. He emphasised the need to use existing platforms to accelerate outreach efforts.

“Breastfeeding is not only a health matter but also a religious one,” he said, citing verses in the Holy Quran that encourage mothers to breastfeed their children for two years.

Mr Shaib Itbar, a Health Education Officer from the Ministry of Health in Pemba, said the Ministry has formed nutrition committees that include religious leaders to enhance public trust and outreach effectiveness.

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He cautioned that improper breastfeeding practices lead to malnutrition, which weakens the national workforce.

In a presentation on maternal and child nutrition, Acting Coordinator of the Nutrition Unit in Pemba, Mr Said Abdi Said, noted that breastfeeding strengthens a child’s immunity, prevents diarrhoea, malnutrition and respiratory diseases, while also fostering strong mother-child bonds.

Chake Chake District Nutrition Coordinator Ms Harusi Massoud Ali stressed that newborns should be breastfed within the first hour of birth to benefit from colostrum.

“A woman needs support. Fathers must create a conducive environment for women to access proper nutrition and be protected from stress, which negatively affects breastfeeding and pregnancy,” she added.

Participants expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained and pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Health to promote better breastfeeding practices across their communities. World Breastfeeding Week is observed globally from August 1 to 7.

This year’s theme is: “Empower Breastfeeding – Create a Supportive Environment for Mothers and Children.”