Exclusive breastfeeding key to building a healthy economy – Public Health Expert

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A Public Health Expert has disclosed that exclusive breastfeeding among children is one of the best ways to boost Ghana’s economy.

According to the Director of Public Health at the Manhyia Government Hospital, Lydia Owusu, strict adherence to exclusive breastfeeding produces healthy and knowledgeable youth, which in turn translates into a healthy economy.

Speaking to OTEC News Reporter Kwame Agyenim Boateng on Thursday as part of activities to mark World Breastfeeding Month, she explained the link between child health and national development.

“With healthy workforce culminate to healthy economy, so if mothers are able to exclusively breastfeed their wards, the country will have very healthy people,” she said.

Madam Owusu noted that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life helps prevent malnutrition, reduces infant mortality, and builds the foundation for better academic performance and productivity in adulthood.

She is therefore urging all stakeholders including families, health workers, employers and government to support breastfeeding mothers to achieve the six months target of exclusive breastfeeding for a stronger and healthier Ghana.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng