Health officials and nutrition experts in Nairobi County have intensified calls for stronger support systems to enable mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding, citing its critical role in improving infant health and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Speaking at Eastleigh Health Centre Maternity during World Breastfeeding Week activities—marked annually from August 1 to August 7—health professionals emphasized the medical, nutritional and preventive benefits of timely and exclusive breastfeeding.
Nairobi County Nutrition Coordinator Jessica Mbochi said initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth is essential for infant survival and long-term development.
“If there is a delay, such as when a mother undergoes surgery, healthcare providers should ensure the baby is supported to begin breastfeeding within the first hour,” she said during a public sensitisation session.
Mbochi reiterated that exclusive breastfeeding should be maintained for the first six months without introducing water or other foods and continued alongside complementary feeding for at least two years.
She noted that breast milk provides vital nutrients and natural antibodies that protect children against infections, developmental complications and some chronic illnesses, while urging parents to monitor child growth regularly.
Kamukunji Sub-County Nutrition Coordinator Fatuma Hassan stressed the importance of sustained community outreach, noting that taking nutrition education directly to households ensures better adoption of proper infant feeding practices.
“Reaching mothers in their neighbourhoods is critical. Equipping families with accurate nutrition knowledge helps ensure every child receives proper care from the start,” she said.
Kamukunji Sub-County Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Etole highlighted the role of healthcare providers in supporting mothers immediately after delivery, noting that early guidance is key to successful breastfeeding.
“Immediate clinical support and structured guidance after delivery form the foundation of successful breastfeeding routines. Our goal is to ensure every newborn receives early nutritional intervention for healthy growth and survival,” she said.
Clinical Nutritionist Edward Saitoti from Pumwani Majengo Health Centre underscored the long-term benefits of proper infant nutrition in preventing NCDs.
“At our facility, we provide both preventive and curative services. During this World Breastfeeding Week, our focus is on preventing non-communicable diseases and saving lives through proper nutrition,” he said.
Saitoti emphasized that breastfeeding should not be left to mothers alone, calling for a collective approach involving families, healthcare providers and the wider community.
“Caring for a child is a shared responsibility involving the mother, father, healthcare workers and the community. A strong support system is essential for successful breastfeeding,” he added.
The awareness campaign featured an interactive procession flagged off from Eastleigh Health Centre Maternity, with participants including health officials, Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and partners.
The procession moved along 12th Street Garage, Muyuyu Street, 3rd Avenue Roundabout and 2nd Avenue before returning to the facility via 2nd Street, engaging residents and raising awareness on proper infant feeding practices.
The initiative brought together stakeholders from all 17 sub-counties in Nairobi to promote sustainable breastfeeding practices under the global theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
County health officials reaffirmed their commitment to continuous community outreach and facility-based support to ensure more mothers receive the guidance needed to practise exclusive breastfeeding.
By Lilian Gichohi
