Addis Ababa, August 4, 2020 (FBC) – Ministry of Health has encouraged mothers to continue to breastfeed their newborn babies during the pandemic even if they have contracted the virus.
Ethiopia is marking the World Breastfeeding Week 2020 for 12th round under the theme “Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet”.
In line with the theme, Ministry of Health called up on mothers and professionals working in the maternal and child care area to promote safe breastfeeding for the wellbeing of infants and mothers as well especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
Nutrition case team coordinator at the Ministry Birara Melese said that mothers who have even contracted the coronavirus could exclusively breastfeed their newborn babies in safe manner at the places where they are receiving treatments.
He downplayed the use of formula milk and other breast-milk substitute industrial products as food to infants below six months stressing irreplaceable benefit of breastfeeding in terms of delivering physical and emotional health to both children and mothers.
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for infants in first six months as per guidance that did not change with the onset of COVID-19.