The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Bunkure, has appealed to nursing mothers to prioritise the health of their children by practicing exclusive breastfeeding and ensuring they receive immunisations against vaccine-preventable diseases. She made this appeal during a visit to the Ayaura Comprehensive Primary Health Centre in Abaji, FCT, where she welcomed the first babies born in 2024.
Dr. Bunkure emphasised the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, proper nutrition, and timely immunisation to protect children from preventable diseases. The visit was part of the renewed hope agenda, aligning with efforts to promote inclusiveness and enhance healthcare services at the grassroots level.
The first babies born in 2024 at the health centre, twins named Muhammad and Ahamed Musa, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Haruna Musa, weighing 2.9kg and 2.8kg, respectively. The minister commended health workers for their commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the region.
Additionally, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment in the FCT, urged mothers to follow health workers’ instructions, attend antenatal and postnatal care, and emphasise the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for both babies and mothers.
The Ona Abaji and Chairman of the Council of Chiefs in Abuja, Dr. Adamu Yunusa, used the occasion to appeal to the government to ensure that children in Abaji are enrolled in schools, contributing to efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.
