Nairobi: Health officials and nutrition experts in Nairobi County have intensified calls for stronger support systems to enable mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding, citing its critical role in improving infant health and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking at Eastleigh Health Centre Maternity during World Breastfeeding Week activities-marked annually from August 1 to August 7-health professionals emphasized the medical, nutritional, and preventive benefits of timely and exclusive breastfeeding. Nairobi County Nutrition Coordinator Jessica Mbochi stated the importance of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth for infant survival and long-term development. She advised healthcare providers to support babies in beginning breastfeeding within the first hour, even if a mother undergoes surgery.
Mbochi further stressed that exclusive breastfeeding should be maintained for the first six months without introducing water or other foods and continued alongside complementary feeding for at least two years. She highlighted that breast milk provides vital nutrients and natural antibodies that protect children against infections, developmental complications, and some chronic illnesses, urging parents to monitor child growth regularly.
Kamukunji Sub-County Nutrition Coordinator Fatuma Hassan underscored the importance of sustained community outreach, noting that taking nutrition education directly to households ensures better adoption of proper infant feeding practices. She emphasized the critical nature of reaching mothers in their neighborhoods and equipping families with accurate nutrition knowledge.
Kamukunji Sub-County Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Etole highlighted the role of healthcare providers in supporting mothers immediately after delivery, stating that early guidance is key to successful breastfeeding. She remarked that immediate clinical support and structured guidance after delivery form the foundation of successful breastfeeding routines, aiming to ensure every newborn receives early nutritional intervention for healthy growth and survival.
Clinical Nutritionist Edward Saitoti from Pumwani Majengo Health Centre underscored the long-term benefits of proper infant nutrition in preventing NCDs. He stated that their facility provides both preventive and curative services, with a focus on preventing non-communicable diseases and saving lives through proper nutrition during World Breastfeeding Week. Saitoti called for a collective approach involving families, healthcare providers, and the wider community, emphasizing that caring for a child is a shared responsibility.
The awareness campaign featured an interactive procession flagged off from Eastleigh Health Centre Maternity, with participants including health officials, Community Health Promoters (CHPs), and partners. The procession moved through various streets, engaging residents and raising awareness on proper infant feeding practices. The initiative brought together stakeholders from all 17 sub-counties in Nairobi to promote sustainable breastfeeding practices under the global theme, ‘Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.’
County health officials reaffirmed their commitment to continuous community outreach and facility-based support to ensure more mothers receive the guidance needed to practise exclusive breastfeeding.
