Breastfeeding is second best in Gorontalo

Syamsul Huda m. Suhari, the Jakarta Post, Gorontalo | Archipelago | Sun, March 17 2013, 10: 38 PM

The proportion of infants exclusively breastfeeding in Gorontalo maybe has declined due to low knowledge of the importance of breastfeeding among mothers.

Gorontalo Triyanto Bialangi, head of health administration, said that the rate of breastfeeding mothers tumbled to 37.2 percent in 2012, from 49.5 percent last year.

"The decline was the result of low knowledge about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers. Exclusive breastfeeding not only meets the baby's nutritional needs but strengthens the bond between mothers and their children, "said Triyanto.

The low rate of exclusive breastfeeding was in contrast to significant progress made in reducing the number of undernourished Gorontalo administration children under five in the province up to 14.4 percent in 2012, down from 17 percent in 2010.

Syafiin N, head of nutrition at Gorontalo health department, said the success of formula marketing campaigns in the province and that business partnerships between distributors and health workers in the formula further declining breastfeeding confirmed.

Syafiin said that the Administration Government Regulation (PP) No. 33/2012 on exclusive breastfeeding to people and health workers such as obstetricians. PP 33 provides that health workers are forbidden from providing newborns with formula and/or another baby product that the exclusive breastfeeding can hamper program.

"It is forbidden to give formula to a newborn baby, unless there is a medical indication and this must be approved by the parents," said Syafiin, adding that all healthcare workers that the regulation violated sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of the licence would be faced.

Meanwhile, improving the nutrition Status of indigenous community toddlers (INSTINCT), a NGO in Gorontalo focused on baby food treatment, is working on revitalization of integrated posts (Posyandu), making them centers of health. /education and information for mothers and children at the lowest level.

"Posyandu is a community that can spearhead the fight against malnutrition. People involved with should have sufficient knowledge of Posyandu nutrition improvement, "said Annie Yosephine Bidi, INSTINCT Gorontalo project manager.

Starting from now, it will be INSTINCT Posyandu in villages in seven districts in Gorontalo revitalize. Gorontalo was chosen as it has the highest number of undernourished to five.

An INSTINCT in five districts in December 2012 showed that 86.6 percent mothers in the areas had heard that exclusive breastfeeding was needed for babies from 0 to 6 months old, but only 27.7% actually did it. (ebf)