The Citizens’ Health Education and Development Initiative (CHEDI) has empowered over 150 women in the FCT with life-saving knowledge on breastfeeding practices.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative was part of activities to mark the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week.
The one-day sensitisation and advocacy programme, held at the Kuchiko Primary Healthcare Centre in Bwari Area Council on Wednesday, brought together pregnant women and nursing mothers for a community-based engagement.
The theme of the event was, “Building Healthcare Systems that Truly Support Breastfeeding: New Tools for Sustainable Change”.
The Executive Director of CHEDI, Mrs Selina Enyioha, said the programme was aimed at promoting breastfeeding as a crucial intervention for child survival, maternal well-being, and the development of resilient health systems.
“Breastfeeding is not just a personal act; it is a public health priority and a building block for lifelong health.
“It has the power to reduce child mortality, improve maternal outcomes, and ease the pressure on fragile healthcare systems,” Enyioha said.
She reiterated CHEDI’s commitment to grassroots health initiatives that prioritise women’s health, nutrition, and child welfare through education and community engagement.
Enyioha called on government agencies, donors, and health sector stakeholders to strengthen support for breastfeeding through policy reforms and improved maternity protection in workplaces.
She also urged increased investment in mother-friendly health facilities and the training of frontline health workers, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Also speaking, Mrs Ngozika Ibhadode, a trained health professional and Chairperson of the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CSS+UNN), Abuja chapter, emphasised the importance of hygiene during breastfeeding.
She noted that many women work long hours on farms and in markets and advised them to always wash their hands before breastfeeding to prevent infections.
Health education sessions were facilitated by community health nurses and peer educators using locally adapted Information, Education and Communication materials, live demonstrations, and personal testimonials.
Participants were taught the benefits and importance of breastfeeding, especially within the first 1,000 days of life, and the need for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months.
Practical techniques, proper positioning, and ways to counter breastfeeding myths and misconceptions were also discussed.
In addition, participants received personalised counselling, and their questions and concerns were addressed by healthcare professionals.
A major highlight of the event was an interactive storytelling session where mothers shared their experiences on the challenges and triumphs of breastfeeding in low-resource settings.
This was followed by a collective advocacy pledge led by the Executive Director through a theme song in local languages.
The women pledged to prioritise exclusive breastfeeding and adopt hygienic practices at home and in the workplace.
The Officer in Charge of the Kuchiko health centre, Mrs Cecilia Bawa, also delivered advocacy messages in local dialects to reinforce community ownership and commitment to breastfeeding support.
Participants expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained.
One of them, Mrs Esther Oluyemi, a young mother of two, said the event transformed her understanding of breastfeeding.
“Today changed how I see breastfeeding. I now understand it’s not just a choice; it’s a powerful tool to protect my baby’s life and health,” she said.
She also reaffirmed CHEDI’s commitment to building health systems that truly support breastfeeding through policy, practice, and community-driven action.
NAN reports that CHEDI is a non-governmental organisation committed to promoting equitable access to healthcare and community health education.
It also focuses on gender-responsive development, especially for women, children, and vulnerable populations. (NAN)
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