Minister Lumumba tips women on breastfeeding

The Minister-in-charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister , Kasule Lumumba has underscored the role of breastfeeding to children.

Speaking during the national nutrition dialogue at Speke Resort Hotel in Munyonyo where she represented the Prime Minister, Lumumba said it is appalling that some women despite breasfeeding.

“ Those who we think know( the benefits of breastmilk) are the people who are not breastfeeding. Educated girls are also not breastfeeding ,but the young women in the villages who may be semi educated or illiterate, are the ones willing to breastfeed.  However, you must know there are great benefits for breastmilk to babies in terms of nutrition,” Lumumba said.

“You should tell these young women to breastfeed. Don’t assume because they have  degrees, they know these things.  These girls breastfeed for one month and says it is enough. May be it was not part of their education that breastfeeding is good.”

Lumumba applauded the national nutrition dialogue , adding that nutrition is fundamental to human capital development and economic growth.

“Despite the challenges, Uganda has made commendable strides. Early initiation of breast feeding has improved significantly with 74% of new born babies being  breastfed within the first hour  of birth and the proportion of children meeting the minimum meal frequency has increased slightly to 63.9%.”

She said the dialogue provides a timely opportunity for government to reaffirm its commitment and align efforts towards nutrition.

“Nutrition is not just a health issue but also a social, economic and developmental imperative.  Poor nutrition during critical stages of growth has lifelong consequences , reducing an individual’s physical and cognitive potential and limiting their to contribute meaningfully to the economy.”

She said, addressing malnutrition is essential for breaking cycles of poverty and underdevelopment.