Regional Health Officer of Region Five Venus Smartt said the region has resuscitated its Breast Feeding Committee after it was found that only 60 per cent of babies under six months old are being exclusively breast-fed.
Smart told Stabroek News that the annual report for the region also showed that 40 per cent of babies at that same age were being partially breast-fed.
She said after being dormant for a while, the region saw the need to revive the committee and make mothers as well as fathers and extended families aware of the benefits of breastfeeding.
Their first plan in “heightening their awareness” is to host a programme on Father’s Day so the mothers can be adequately supported. The new committee also plans to hold health talks and work closely with faith-based organisations as well as members of the Basic Nutrition Groups (BNG) based at Belladrum.
According to Smartt, there are plans to conduct a one-day training workshop later this year for staff members, members of the BNG, and other active community groups.
Meanwhile, at a meeting held last Friday at the Bush Lot Health Centre and conducted by Ninian Blair, a nutritionist of the Ministry of Health, Kim Jackson of the Cotton Tree Health Centre was elected chairperson.
The vice-chairperson is Iona Barker of the High Dam HC, secretary is Shonnel Watson of Dundee HC, and Claudette Johnson of the Woodley Park HC and June Daniels have been elected treasurer and assistant secretary/treasurer respectively.
Committee members are Holly Ann Joseph and Deslyn Fraser of the Bush Lot HC, Vidya Ragbeer, Jillian Woodroffe, Donna Fraser, Uette Adams and DOTS (a TB treatment programme) worker, Carlene Moore.
