The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, has revealed that the state government grants six months of maternity leave to female public servants as part of efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve child health outcomes.

Speaking during a press briefing to mark the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, Dr. Balarabe said the state is committed to creating a supportive environment for mothers and infants.

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The event was attended by development partners, civil society organisations, and UNICEF’s Kaduna Chief of Field Office.

As part of the week’s activities, the Deputy Governor launched the First 1,000 Days of Life Initiative, aimed at ensuring pregnant women and children under two years receive proper nutrition, healthcare, vaccinations, clean water, birth registration, and responsive caregiving.

Describing the first 1,000 days as the most critical period for brain development and long-term well-being, Dr. Balarabe—herself a medical doctor—highlighted the far-reaching benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, including stronger immunity, better cognitive development, and reduced healthcare costs.

She said the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create a Sustainable Support System,” aligns with Governor Uba Sani’s Human Capital Development agenda.

Dr. Balarabe also urged political leaders, traditional rulers, religious institutions, civil society, employers, and families to actively support breastfeeding mothers, stressing that exclusive breastfeeding is not only a health issue but also a development priority, a gender concern, and a human rights imperative.

In a related development, the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmed, announced the establishment of a crèche at the Ministry of Health to support working mothers and promote breastfeeding within the workplace.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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