Nuru Promotes #WorldBreastfeedingWeek in Kenya

Nuru Kenya Healthcare Program promotes exclusive breastfeeding in rural parts of Kenya. Exclusive breastfeeding is a norm that every new mother should adhere to. Mother’s breast milk is the healthiest and safest food for the baby during the first six months because it provides all the nutrients needed for growth and development. Also, babies who breastfeed have better mental development and emotional security. Breastfeeding helps new mothers heal faster after birth and prevents severe postpartum bleeding.

This year Nuru Kenya joined the rest of the world in observing World Breastfeeding Week for the purpose of ensuring that children in Migori County and beyond have the best start to life. Thus the theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week was “Breastfeeding: Foundation for Life” — recognizing the importance of breastfeeding on a baby’s future.

The Nuru Kenya Healthcare team and government health facility workers were excited as they worked together to roll out exclusive breastfeeding campaigns in rural parts of Migori County.

These photos illustrate some of the campaign activities conducted by the team in two government health facilities.

At Mogori Komasimo Health Centre an interactive discussion was part of the campaign, including the use of a locally produced video on breastfeeding challenges and how to overcome them. It was held with mothers as they waited for vaccinations and antenatal care.

The Nyatira women’s group, a care group from a Nuru Cooperative, met at Kombe Dispensary to discuss exclusive breastfeeding including the importance of involving men in supporting mothers during breastfeeding.

About Victor Charo Simon

Nuru Kenya Regional Training Coordinator—Prior to joining Nuru Kenya, Victor served as a public health officer with the Ministry of Health, where he led the community health workers and natural leaders in implementing the community health strategy. He has wide experience in water sanitation and hygiene activities, home-based care and support for people living with HIV, and maternal and child health. Victor has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health Science from Makerere University, Uganda, and certificates in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Washington/University of Nairobi, and in Project Planning and Management, Dynamic Leadership, Financial intelligence from World Vision.