Medela, a U.S.-based NGO says it will partner Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), a Non-Governmental Organisation
to improve breastfeeding support and resources in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in Nigeria.
Shola Ayelabola , Chief Press Secretary of WBFA disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said that the partnership would commence
on Aug. 7, in recognition of the World Breastfeeding Week, commemorated annually from Aug. 1 to Aug. 7.
Ayelabola explained that the initiative would help fight infant mortality, combat malnutrition and improve low breast feeding rates in Nigeria
by focusing on lactation care offered to mothers at Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).
He quoted Mrs Toyin Saraki, the Founder of WBFA as saying “Medela’s long history as a global player in breastfeeding research, products
technology and innovation is indeed a perfect partner to improve Nigeria’s prevalence of breastfeeding and support for NICU.
“This will be done by delivering NICU for mothers with specific education and training on the value of human milk and how to build
sufficient milk supply for long term breastfeeding.
“This work will involve frontline healthcare workers, non-profit organisations and government agencies.”
According to her, Nigeria has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world with only 17 per cent of mothers exclusively breastfeeding
their children through six months.
Ayelabola also quoted Annette Bruls, the Founder of Medela Worldwide, as saying “We are thrilled to partner with WBFA
as part of our commitment to UN’s ` Every Woman, Every Child’ movement to better lactation care and improve infant feeding.
“Medela is committed to partnering with organisations to improve breastfeeding rates globally to meet the 2030 breastfeeding
goals; we are dedicated to improving the lives of moms, babies and patients through education and support.
“Research shows that breast milk is critical for growth and overall health for newborns and is a low-cost and highly effective
intervention that can prevent infant death.”
