Leyoo Ajeokun
A former state coordinator, Network of People Living with HIV/Aids, Mr. Philip Lokoko, Tuesday, declared that no fewer than 7, 000 lactating mothers with HIV/Aids in Nasarawa state live without meaningful source of livelihood.
Lokoko stated this during an event to mark the 2024 world breastfeeding week in Lafia with the theme: ‘Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding for All’.
He said records obtained in various facilities across the state indicated that over 15,000 childbearing mothers had tested positive to HIV/Aids but only 7,000 women had identified themselves publicly to seek help.
Lokoko stated that most lactating mothers could hardly afford three square meals which was a major factor contributing to the low- level of giving their children breast milk at least for the first six months of birth.
“Breast milk remains the best food for the child at least during the first six months of birth. Most women living with HIV and Aids in the state can hardly afford even one square meal. So how can they have the strength to breastfeed their children? We want the government to come to their aid and set up a special intervention for these women.”
Nasarawa state coordinator, Association of Women Living with HIV/ Aids, Mrs. Rahab Irmiya, stated that due to the economic challenges facing most households in the state, there was need to pay maximum attention to lactating mothers living with HIV and Aids as part of steps toward checking malnutrition and child mortality.
“If I don’t eat enough food, how can I have the strength to feed my baby? The breast milk might not be available and nutritious because I don’t eat good food. We want government to support us, especially those of us who have certificates,” she pleaded.
Executive Director, Nasarawa state Aids Control Agency, Dr. Ruth Bello, remarked that due to sustained awareness campaigns, the number of women living with HIV/Aids in the state who have overcome stigma had continued to rise.