Parliament Building in Nairobi.
BY SAM ALFAN.
MPs now want to make it compulsory for weaning mothers to breastfeed their new born.
They also want Parliament to make a decree that breastfeeding is a must.
Matungulu MP Steven Mule and his Wajir counterpart Abdikadir Ore said there is need to make breastfeeding mandatory to ensure that every child gets the right to this gift of nature.
“Some mothers nowadays fail to breastfeed their kids for fear of tarnishing their physical structure and thus there is need for the government to make breastfeeding compulsory,” said the Wajir legislator.
Mr Ore said the country as per now lacks a clear legislation that can guide mothers on the significance of breastfeeding.
The MPs additionally want employers mandated to set aside a conducive environment for their employees to enable mother to breastfeed their kids while at work.
Speaking today during the 24th Unveiling of the World Breastfeeding Week, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Cleopa Mailu said breastfeeding prevents 13 percent of all children under 5 mortalities and is the single most effective intervention for ensuring child survival and development.
“Breastfeeding contributes to poverty reduction, provides food security for millions of children, even in extremely difficult situations and emergencies enduring Zero hunger in which exclusive breastfeeding and continues breastfeeding for two years and beyond provide high quality nutrients and adequate energy, “the CS said.
