BY JUDE OSSAI / ENUGU
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A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as “Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria ( CS-SUNN)” on Thursday, held a Policy Dialogue with stakeholders on exclusive breastfeeding, improved nutrition and extention of paid maternity leave to women in Enugu.
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Rising from the meeting held at Bridge Waters Hotel, Enugu, the participants called on Enugu State Government to improve on its investment on nutrition and prompt release of funds for nutritional activities in the state, pointing out that it will bring sustainable development and economic prosperity to the state.
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The participants also called for an extension of paid maternity leave from three months to six months for nursing mothers in the state employ.
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According to the participants, “Malnutrition leads to stunted growth and stunting, associated with poor brain and reduced productivity in adulthood is a concern in Enugu State with 14.8% of children under five stunted, 6.1% underw eight, and 2.2% wasted .
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The dialogue which was organised by the Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) brought together a diverse group of participants, including members of the State House of Assembly, government officials, members of the SCFN, representatives from civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, media and other key stakeholders.
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In her speech, the Programme Manager of CS-SUNN, Dr. Goodness Anyanwu said the state assembly, and the state government had agreed to partner with the group in ensuring the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding.
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Anyanwu explained the objectives of the CS-SUNN and the need of extending the nutrition advocacy to the grassroot.
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She also urged the lawmakers to support legislation that would ensure that working class nursing mothers get six months maternity leave for adequate care and well being of their babies.
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The Programme Manager also urged the state government to set up creches in workplaces to enable nursing mothers to be closer to their babies.
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The 6-Point Communique signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture reads in parts:
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“There should be prompt release of adequate funds for nutrition activities in the State.
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“Paid maternity leave should be extended from three to six months in the State.
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“CS-SUNN should work closely with the Enugu State Government to ensure the smooth implementation of the extended maternity leave policy.
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“There should be Advocacy visits to all relevant MDAs for budgetary allocation and release of funds.
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“There should be an intensified advocacy to ensure workplace protection of mothers during maternity leave, to mitigate against their fear of being left out in the workplace..
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“The policy dialogue was a significant step towards enhancing the welfare of working mothers and children, promoting gender equality, and fostering a more supportive work environment.
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It was observed that the participants are committed to taking the necessary actions to realize the benefits of the policy extension and increased adequate funding and release for nutrition activities in the state.
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