Key points:
- As part of World Breastfeeding Week, the church organized information sessions to promote breastfeeding.
- According to UNICEF, only five out of 10 infants under the age of 6 months are exclusively breastfed in Congo.
- Dr. Marie-Claire Manafundu, coordinator of the church’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health program, said through these activities, the church reaffirms its commitment to the health of mothers and children.
In eastern Congo, The United Methodist Church continues to strengthen its commitment to the health of mothers and children by promoting breastfeeding.
The church actively participated in World Breastfeeding Week, Aug. 1-8, organized by the World Health Organization.
During information sessions, participants learned about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for children’s health and disease prevention. The church also emphasized the crucial role of the community in supporting breastfeeding mothers, such as the need to reduce women’s workloads to enable them to breastfeed properly.
According to UNICEF, only five out of 10 infants under the age of 6 months are exclusively breastfed in Congo.
The Maternal, Newborn and Child Health program in eastern Congo, which receives support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries’ Global Health program, launched a series of awareness-raising activities aimed at different segments of the population.
In Kindu, Goma, Kisangani, Tunda and other towns in eastern Congo, prenatal and preschool consultations and information sessions were held for teams of health staff, who raised awareness of breastfeeding among communities, service providers, community relays and pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Dr. Marie-Claire Manafundu, coordinator of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health program, underlined the importance of the initiative.
“We’ve organized these activities to raise awareness, motivate mothers and explain the importance of breastfeeding, well beyond exclusive breastfeeding,” Manafundu said.
She said the health program has noticed that the indicator for breastfeeding practice in the country is almost red, meaning that public health data shows a worrying or even alarming situation. That can mean a significant increase in the number of cases of a disease, for example.
Demonstrations of the practice of breastfeeding were organized among first-time mothers and other breastfeeding women.
“We also distributed key messages and breastfeeding support for all to community relays,” Manafundu said, referring to United Methodist health workers who help raise awareness about health issues in local communities.
The campaign featured testimonials from mothers who highlighted both the challenges and the joys of breastfeeding.
During a session organized at the Centre Hospitalier Méthodiste Lokole, Marie Ketoka, a 35-year-old mother of three, shared her breastfeeding experience.
“I’ve breastfed all three of my children,” she said, “and each time, it’s been a different experience. I learned to listen to my body and my baby’s body. Breastfeeding made me feel strong and connected to my children. It’s a precious gift that nature gives us.”
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The information and stories helped Aïcha Utchinga, 28, mother of a 7-month-old baby, to understand the importance of breastfeeding. She said the tips would help her overcome the initial challenges.
“Breastfeeding was a challenge at first, as my occupations didn’t allow me to take more time to breastfeed my baby,” she said. “Every time I exclusively breastfeed my baby, it’s a unique bond that unites us, and I know I’m giving him the best start in life.”
Sylvie Lotchumba, 24, mother of a 2-week-old infant, spoke of her discovery of breastfeeding and the importance of the advice and support she received.
“I’m a young mother,” she said, “and breastfeeding has been an incredible discovery. At first, I had my doubts, but thanks to the advice of the medical staff and the support of other moms, I gained confidence. Today, I’m convinced that it’s the best choice for my baby and for me.”
East Congo Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda encouraged the recent activities and expressed his solidarity.
“I am delighted by the commitment of our United Methodist brothers and sisters to the health of mothers and children in our region. Breastfeeding is a precious gift that God has bestowed on women, and it is our duty to support and encourage them in this essential practice for the well-being of children,” he said.
“Promoting breastfeeding is not just for mothers, but for the whole community. It’s important that everyone understands the importance of this practice and supports breastfeeding women. As Christians, we are called to help and care for each other, especially the most vulnerable.”
Manafundu said that through these activities, the church reaffirms its commitment to the health of mothers and children, stressing that breastfeeding is a key factor for a bright future.
“By raising awareness and supporting women in this practice,” she said, “United Methodists are helping to promote a society where every child has the best chance of growing up healthy.”
Londe is UM News’ Congo correspondent.
News contact: Julie Dwyer, newsdesk@umcom.org or 615-742-5469. To read more news from The United Methodist Church, subscribe to our free daily or weekly bulletins.
