About 52 per cent of mothers in Busia County exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months, a report by the Kenya Health Information System 2019 has revealed.
According to the report, Nambale Sub County was top in breastfeeding with 68.6 per cent while Bunyala was last with 19.6 percent.
Others included Samia with (63.2%), Matayos (62.4%), Teso North (55.8%), Butula (49.7%) and Teso South (37.9%).
The report also indicates that 94.2 percent of the babies born in health facilities within the County are put on breast milk by their mothers.
Busia County Nutrition Coordinator Scholastic Nabade said August 1st to 7th is the World Breastfeeding Week.
The theme is supporting breastfeeding for a healthier planet has created a platform for mothers to be educated on the importance of breast milk to infants.
“We are sensitizing the community health assistants and Community Health Volunteers who will help in the sensitization exercise of mothers and other caregivers over breastfeeding,” said Nabade, at the Health offices in Busia town.
She further said that breastfeeding has enormous benefits to both the mother and the child, appealing to men to provide the necessary support required.
“Breast milk contains nutrients that the baby needs during the first six months. The milk can help prevent death by 13 per cent among children under the age of one year. Breastfeeding also decreases the risk of mothers getting ovarian and breast cancer,” added the Nutrition Coordinator.