State governments controlled by the All Progressives Congress have assured its commitment to implementing a recommendation to grant nursing mothers six months maternity leave.
This was part of the resolutions in a communique at the end of the Thursday virtual meeting of secretaries to governments of APC states, with the theme, ‘Developing Common Policy Initiatives on Maternal & Child Nutrition Promotion in the APC States.’
This was made known to newsmen on Monday, in a statement signed by Alhaji Adamu Fanini and Prof Danladi Atu, the SSGs of Jigawa and Plateau States, respectively.
“Because of the significant role parental support plays in the lives of children and the need to enhance the health of nursing mothers, APC States are committed to implementing the recommendation to prioritise granting 180 days (6 months) maternity leave for nursing mothers in the APC States.
“Given the import of nutrition to addressing the problems of stunting and wasting in children, the meeting agreed that APC controlled states commit themselves to promoting essential nutrient fortified foods and supplements for children under the ages of 5 and nursing mothers.
“Considering the importance of robust public engagement in the implementation of the Framework for Maternal and Child Nutrition, APC States undertake to design effective communication strategies to raise public awareness and transform public attitudes towards issues related to malnutrition and its effects on the Child and nursing mothers,” the statement read in part.