Partners Pose in a General Photo
Reviving the Power of Breastfeeding: A Call to Action in Tooro Region
In a bid to combat the scourge of malnutrition and high stunting levels, KRC Uganda joined forces with Kabarole District Local Government, Fort Portal Tourism City, and various development partners to organize a groundbreaking Breastfeeding Advocacy Conference.
It was held at the picturesque ATACO Country Resort in Fort Portal on Tuesday August. Organized by Kabarole District Local Government and Fort Portal City, but sponsored by KRC Uganda, the event coincided with the International Breastfeeding Month (August 2024) running under the theme: “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for all”
According to Eric Oteba, Managing Food Systems and Nutrition at KRC Uganda, the conference targeted executive directors of NGOs and the business community from Kabarole and Fort Portal. “We’re at a critical juncture where the value of breastfeeding is being eroded,” Oteba lamented. “In the past, African mothers would breastfeed their children for almost two years, but now, with more women in the workforce, this tradition is dwindling, leaving children vulnerable to diseases and stunting.”
The stark reality in Tooro region is alarming: every 10 children below 5 years, 4 are stunted. This staggering statistic underscores the urgent need for collective action. Eric disclosed that conference organized by KRC Uganda aimed to reignite the importance of breastfeeding, mobilize stakeholders, and develop strategies to support working mothers in balancing their responsibilities with the crucial need to breastfeed their children.
In a bold move to combat the scourge of stunting, Kabarole district and Fort Portal city leadership and stakeholders vowed to transform breastfeeding practices in the Tooro region. Speaking at the Breastfeeding Advocacy Conference Mr. Eric Oteba revealed that inadequate breastfeeding is a major contributor to the region’s alarming 38.7% stunting levels.
However, Eric highlighted Uganda’s remarkable progress in breastfeeding, citing a significant increase from 66% (2016 UDHS) in 2020 to 87% currently. “While we celebrate this achievement, the narrative in Tooro needs to change,” he emphasized.
Fort Portal City Health Educator, Muhenda Stephen, emphasized the crucial role of sanitation and hygiene in preventing infections during breastfeeding. He also addressed a sensitive topic, urging men to refrain from sucking breast milk during intimate moments, as it deprives babies of essential nutrients.
Kisembo Brian, Kabarole District Chairperson of the Nutrition Coordination Committee, stressed that breast milk provides all necessary nutrients for a baby’s growth. He advised mothers to breastfeed their babies at least 8-12 times a day to prevent stunting.
Kabarole district speaker, Mr. Ruhweza Timothy, pledged the district’s commitment to mobilizing and sensitizing communities to embrace breastfeeding practices using all the available platforms. “Men must support their wives and motivate them to breastfeed their babies,” he urged.
The conference culminated in a resolution to:
– Establishment of breastfeeding corners in all government and private institutions
– Develop policies supporting breastfeeding
– Address Gender-Based Violence through education and counseling
– Advocate for extended maternity leave (3-6 months)
– Promote education of the girl child to equip them with breastfeeding and sexual reproductive health knowledge
– Embark on vigorous sensitization campaigns on radio and community dialogues
– Fort Portal City authorities Reinstate the four breastfeeding corners at Mpanga market
– Adopt the Breast Milk Bank system to safeguard breast milk for babies
With this collective commitment, the people of Tooro region are poised to break the cycle of stunting and empower mothers to give their children the best possible start in life.
The leaders’ resolutions to reviving the power of breastfeeding, will empower the people of Tooro to reclaim their heritage and give their children the best possible start in life.
August, the Breastfeeding Month, witnessed a flurry of activities here in Tooro, spearheaded by various partners, including CARE, KRC, YAWE, Churches, Life FM, VOT, Fort TV, Jubilee, PLANE Uganda @platformfortheneedy , Maranatha Healthcare, MMU Radio, Kabarole Local Government, and Fort Portal City. The initiatives aimed to promote breastfeeding, tackle malnutrition, and dispel myths surrounding the practice.
Key Highlights:
– Stakeholders and leaders convened for a Nutrition Symposium in Kyegegwa district, sponsored by CARE and CASCADE.
– The Breastfeeding Advocacy Conference, sponsored by KRC, brought together experts and advocates.
– Health education talks, community dialogues, and radio talk shows reached a wider audience.
– Partners addressed critical issues like malnutrition, stunting, HIV/AIDS, and breastfeeding.
Impact:
– Empowered communities with knowledge and resources to promote breastfeeding.
– Fostered collaboration among stakeholders to address nutrition challenges.
– Dispelled myths and misconceptions surrounding breastfeeding.
“A Month of Action, A Lifetime of Impact”