Ndalatando – The supervisor of the Cuanza-Norte Nutrition Program Breastfeeding, Maria Manuel, said that the programme plays an important role in the psychomotor development of children.
Speaking to the press, on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, which runs from August 1 to 7, she indicated that breast milk is the best food for children.
In addition to being easy to digest, she explained, it improves growth and protects children against diseases.
She also recommended a balanced diet for children, with natural supplements based on local products, as they are sources of nutrients such as vitamins, proteins and minerals, to prevent malnutrition. She pointed out sweet potatoes, yams, pumpkin, cassava and fruits as essential for children's nutrition.
She said that the province has many cases of malnutrition in children under five years of age, a situation that is worrying the health authorities in the district.
“In everyday life, cases of malnutrition have been recurring. There are many cases of malnourished children and many of them die because of this situation”, she stressed.
Maria Manuel pointed out significant weight loss, hair colouring and obesity as being among the main symptoms of malnutrition.
The official advised against some cultural habits of many families who raise animals and poultry to sell instead of eating the meat.
She said that meat is an important source of animal protein, essential for nutrition.
World Breastfeeding Week focuses on the importance of breastfeeding to ensure survival, health and well-being.
The date was established in 1990 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. EFM/DS/YD/DAN/DOJ
