Over 7000 Breastfeeding Mothers Living with HIV and Aids in Nasarawa State lack basic sources of livelihood

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Over 7000 breastfeeding Mothers Living with HIV and Aids in Nasarawa State lack basic sources of livelihood, which accounts for the poor practice of exclusive breastfeeding and the rise in child and maternal mortality in the state.

The Former State Coordinator Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS, Mr Philip Lokoko, gave this indication during an event to mark the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week in Lafia.

According him, this is the first time breastfeeding mothers living with HIV and AIDS in Nasarawa State appeared in their hundreds as a group in public to mark the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week as part of campaigns to increase awareness of the benefit of practicing exclusive breastfeeding.

Lokoko, stated that according to records obtained in various facilities across the state, over 15000 childbearing mothers had tested positive for HIV and AIDS, but only 7000 women had identified themselves publicly to seek help.

He stated that most breastfeeding mothers could hardly afford three square meals, which, according to him, was a major factor contributing to the low level of giving their children breast milk at least for the first six months of birth.

“Breast milk remains the best food for the child at least during the first six months of birth; most women living with Hiv and Aids in Nasarawa State can hardly afford even one square meal. So how can they have the strength to breastfeed their children? We want the Government to come to their aid and set up a special intervention for these women ‘, Philip said.

The Nasarawa State Coordinator Association of Women Living with HIV AIDS, Mrs Rahab Irmiya explained that due to the economic challenges facing most households in the state, there was a need to pay maximum attention to lactating mothers living with HIV and AIDS as part of steps toward checking malnutrition and child mortality.

A breastfeeding mother of four living with HIV and Aids, Mrs Rahila Audu stated that all her children are HIV-negative despite her status, but the persistent economic hardship was her major challenge to continue to practice exclusive breastfeeding.

“If I don’t eat enough food, how can I have the strength to feed my baby? Breast milk might not be available and nutritious because I don’t eat good food. We want government to support us, especially those of us who have certificates we need jobs”, she pleaded.

Another mother, Mrs Ann Lashile, explained that since she gave birth three months ago, life had been difficult for her, and she could not afford to cope with exclusive breastfeeding as a result of the non-availability of a source of livelihood.

Executive Director of Nasarawa State Aids Control Agency, Dr Ruth Bello, acknowledged that due to sustained awareness campaigns, the number of women living with HIV and Aids in the state who have overcome stigma had continued to rise.

Dr Bello added that the campaigns for exclusive breastfeeding were all-inclusive to enhance the health and the children for a better society.

This year’s theme is Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding for All.

Chris Nyamtu

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