Plateau State’s health commissioner says breastfeeding delivers major health, economic and environmental benefits, calling it one of the most affordable public health interventions available.
Breastfeeding Cuts Costs, Boosts Economy, Plateau Official Says
Plateau’s commissioner for health, Nicholas Ba’amlong, says breastfeeding significantly improves maternal and child health while delivering economic and environmental benefits, according to the PEOPLES GAZETTE.
Speaking Monday in Jos during the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week celebration, Ba’amlong said exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months reduces childhood illnesses like diarrhoea, pneumonia and malnutrition while improving growth outcomes.
He said breastfeeding also aids mothers’ recovery after childbirth, lowers risks of breast and ovarian cancers, and cuts family expenditure on formula and treating childhood illnesses, easing financial burdens nationwide.
Ba’amlong added that breastfeeding supports environmental sustainability by eliminating manufacturing and transport needs for breast milk substitutes, reducing pollution and carbon emissions.
He reaffirmed Plateau government’s commitment to promoting breastfeeding initiation within an hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for six months, urging mothers, communities and healthcare workers to support the practice.
World Breastfeeding Week runs annually from August 1 to 7 to raise awareness globally.
NEWS NOW:
