HFDI PROMOTES EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL NUTRITION IN ONNA LGA THROUGH COMMUNITY IYCF EDUCATION
….Mothers, Adolescents, and TBAs Trained, Health Commodities Distributed to Support Child Survival….
Hope for Family Development Initiative, HFDI, Akwa Ibom State conducted an Infant and Young Child Feeding, IYCF, session at Ikot Ndua Iman Community, Onna Local Government Area, to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve maternal nutrition.
The activity aligns with HFDI’s commitment to improving maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes through evidence-based, community-driven interventions.
The session targeted *pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, adolescents, and Traditional Birth Attendants, TBAs*, with the goal of promoting optimal infant and young child feeding practices and strengthening community awareness of maternal and child health.
Facilitated using participatory and learner-centered approaches, the session included health education talks, interactive discussions, experience-sharing, and question-and-answer segments.
Participants were educated on the importance of *exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life*, with emphasis on giving infants only breast milk — no water, herbs, or other foods unless medically indicated.
Facilitators stressed that exclusive breastfeeding provides complete nutrition for infant growth and development, stronger immunity and protection against common childhood illnesses, reduced risk of malnutrition and infections, and improved cognitive development
The session also addressed *maternal nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding*, urging women to consume balanced, diversified diets rich in proteins, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to support maternal health, fetal growth, and adequate breast milk production.
Adolescents were encouraged to adopt healthy dietary habits, maintain good hygiene, and make informed health choices for their growth and future reproductive health.
To complement the education, HFDI distributed essential commodities such as micronutrient supplements to pregnant women to improve nutritional status and pregnancy outcomes, deworming tablets to breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women above four months gestation to reduce parasitic infections and improve nutrient absorption, Baby wipes* to all participants, and cotton wool to TBAs to strengthen hygiene during maternal and newborn care.
Participants engaged actively, sharing experiences and raising questions on breastfeeding, maternal nutrition, and infant care.
Particular attention was given to foods required during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The facilitator provided practical guidance on consuming balanced meals with locally available, nutrient-dense foods, maintaining dietary diversity, and ensuring adequate fluid intake to support healthy pregnancies and optimal breast milk production.
The interactive format helped address misconceptions and reinforce key messages on exclusive breastfeeding and healthy nutrition.
The session enhanced awareness of exclusive breastfeeding, improved knowledge of appropriate infant feeding practices, and strengthened the capacity of participants to adopt positive nutrition and health behaviors.
The IYCF session successfully achieved its objectives, with active participation from pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, adolescents, and TBAs driving its success.
HFDI reaffirmed its commitment to implementing evidence-based nutrition and health interventions that empower vulnerable populations and contribute to sustainable improvements in community health and well-being across Akwa Ibom State.