- August 10, 2018
- Posted by: Communications
- Category: Latest News
By Owek. Mugerwa Francis.
The Bunyoro Queen Omugo Margret Karunga Adyeeri has launched a breastfeeding campaign in Bunyoro region.
The launch was held at Karuziika Royal Palace on Wednesday.
The function was attended by Ministry of health officials, politicians, students, medical workers, Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom officials and officials from World vision Uganda, an international humanitarian NGO.
While launching the campaign, Omugo Margret Karunga Adyeeri said breastfeeding has been part of Bunyoro culture for generations.
She asked mothers to breastfeed their children at least for two years.
She observed that some young mothers are having a poor attitude towards breastfeeding while working mothers are not given adequate time to breastfeed.
She asked employers to give time to employed mothers to breastfeed.
She asked public facilities to set up breastfeeding corners.
She excited the guests when she revealed that when she was breastfeeding, she got overwhelming care and support from her husband His Royal Majesty Dr Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, the Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara.
She advised husbands to emulate the good example of the King and support their wives.
Omugo flaged off a breastfeeding campaign at Karuziika Royal Palace and it was followed by a match led by a brass band through Hoima town up to Kakindo playground where other festivals were held.
The Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Rt Hon Andrew Byakutaga thanked Government for partnering with Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom to promote breastfeeding and other health programs.
He said breastfeeding gives babies good growth and upbringing.
He welcomed development partners to work with Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom in areas of improving the health and livelihoods of the people of Bunyoro.
The Kingdom needs a healthy and a productive population that will work for the betterment of the region.
The director of clinical services at the ministry of health Dr Charles Olara who spoke on behalf of Government thanked the Kingdom for embracing the government’s health programs.
He said government is reaching out to cultural leaders to bring them on board in complimenting health programs.
According to the 2016 Uganda demographic health survey, only 6 of every 10 children below six months are breastfed exclusively with only breast milk for the first six months of life.
The survey further reveals that 3 in every 10 children are given breast milk and other foods while still below six months while 2 percent of children are not breastfed at all.
The world breastfeeding week is an annual event commemorated between 1st – 8th of August in over 120 countries including Uganda.
This year’s theme “Breastfeeding : foundation for life ” calls upon all stakeholders to play an active role in promoting and supporting breastfeeding in Uganda in order to lay a solid foundation for our children, families and the nation.
Ends