Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Over 7,000 HIV-Positive Lactating Mothers in Nasarawa Lack Livelihood, hindering Exclusive Breastfeeding

POSTED ON August 6, 2024 •   Health & Wellness      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
A woman breastfeeding her baby l. Credit: IRIN

Over 7,000 lactating mothers living with HIV and AIDS in Nasarawa State lack basic sources of livelihood, leading to poor exclusive breastfeeding practices and a rise in child and maternal mortality. 

Lactating mothers can hardly afford three square meals, a major factor contributing to the low level of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. 

Breast milk remains the best food for the child in the first six months, but most women living with HIV and AIDS in Nasarawa State can hardly afford even one square meal, making it difficult for them to have the strength to breastfeed their children. 

Former State Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS, Mr Philip Lokoko, highlighted these challenges during an event to mark the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week in Lafia on Tuesday.

He said this is the first time hundreds of lactating mothers living with HIV and AIDS in Nasarawa State publicly marked World Breastfeeding Week, aiming to raise awareness about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

Mr. Lokoko stated that according to records from various facilities across the state, over 15,000 childbearing mothers tested positive for HIV and AIDS, but only 7,000 women had publicly sought help.

He noted, “Most lactating mothers can hardly afford three square meals, a major factor contributing to the low level of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.”

“Breast milk remains the best food for the child in the first six months,” Lokoko emphasized. “Most women living with HIV and AIDS in Nasarawa State can hardly afford even one square meal. How can they have the strength to breastfeed their children? We want the government to intervene and set up special aid programs for these women.”

Nasarawa State Coordinator of the Association of Women Living with HIV and AIDS, Mrs. Rahab Irmiya, stressed the need to focus on lactating mothers living with HIV and AIDS to combat malnutrition and child mortality amid economic challenges.

A lactating mother of four, Mrs Rahila Audu, shared that her children are HIV-negative despite her status, but economic hardship is a significant barrier to practising exclusive breastfeeding.

“If I don’t eat enough food, how can I have the strength to feed my baby?” Audu asked. “Breast milk might not be available and nutritious because I don’t eat good food. We need government support, especially for those of us with certificates who need jobs.”
Another mother, Mrs Ann Lashile, explained that life had been difficult since she gave birth three months ago, making it impossible to maintain exclusive breastfeeding due to a lack of livelihood.

Dr. Ruth Bello, Executive Director of Nasarawa State AIDS Control Agency, noted that awareness campaigns have reduced stigma, encouraging more women to seek help. She added, “Campaigns for exclusive breastfeeding are essential to enhance the health of both mothers and children for a better society.”

The government is urged to intervene and set up special aid programs for these women to combat malnutrition and child mortality amid economic challenges.

READ ALSO
Health Council Workers Face Salary Delays Due to Federal Funding Cuts
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 11, 2025 0

More than 1,500 health professionals associated with the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria hav...

READ ALSO
WHO Declares Mpox Public Health Emergency of International Concern
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 11, 2025 0

The World Health Organization has stated that the ongoing rise in mpox cases qualifies as a Public H...

READ ALSO
Students mobilise for Malaria Contest with N1b Geneith health
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 5, 2025 0

In an effort to tackle one of Nigeria’s deadliest diseases, Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd has la...

READ ALSO
Dangote Advocate end to health tourism, Emphasize local drug- production
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 5, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - President and chief executive officer of Dangote groups, Aliko Dangote, has called...

READ ALSO
Bill Gates Advocates for Improved Health Care in Nigeria Amid Budget Constraints
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 5, 2025 0

US billionaire Bill Gates, who chairs the Gates Foundation, expressed that Nigeria’s health bu...

READ ALSO
Edo Faces Diphtheria Outbreak, Two Confirmed Deaths
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 4, 2025 0

EDO, Nigeria (NAN) - A diphtheria outbreak has been confirmed in Edo State, resulting in two deaths....

READ ALSO
Nigeria Needs ₦2.2 Trillion to Eliminate Cervical Cancer by 2030, Says Task Force Chair
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 4, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria will need ₦2.2 trillion to roll out comprehensive cervical cancer ini...

READ ALSO
Health Equity: Nigeria's Push for Universal Health Coverage
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 3, 2025 0

In alignment with the global effort towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Nigeria is striving to...

OUR CHANNELS:

Air India Flight 171: Investigators Uncover Dual Engine Failure as Global Scrutiny Mounts
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 16, 2025 0

AHMEDABAD, India— As the world continues to mourn the tragic loss of 290 lives aboard Air Indi...


New Evidence Deepens Air India 787 Crash Mystery: Dual Engine Failure Now in Focus
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 16, 2025 0

AHMEDABAD, India – As grief continues to hang heavy over the aftermath of Air India Flight 171...


UK Caution Citizens against Traveling To Israel, Iran amid Attacks
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 15, 2025 0

The United Kingdom (UK) has issued a travel advisory for its citizens, recommending that Britons ref...


LASG Launches E-Call-Up System to Regulate Truck Movements Starting June 16
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 15, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - The Lagos State Government has announced that the increasing traffic from heavy tru...


Tanker Drivers to Cease Operation on Monday amid E-call Charges
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 15, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - Tanker drivers in Lagos State have announced their intention to cease loading petro...


LASG Clamps Down on Illegal Sewage Disposal in Okota
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 15, 2025 0

The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources sealed a resi...


CBN Governor, Finance Minister to Address Allegations Before House Committee
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 16, 2025 0

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, along with the Minister of Finance,...


NDLEA Alerts Parents: Watch for Suspicious Snacks in Children's Bags
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 16, 2025 0

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a serious warning to parents, advising t...


2027: Tinubu Hosts Key PDP Figures at Aso Rock
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 16, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu convened a meeting on Saturday evening with prominent members of the oppositio...


Trump Proposes Visa Ban on Nigeria Amid Corruption Concerns
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 15, 2025 0

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated plans to impose a general visa ban o...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu