Samoa’s Minister of Health, Tuitama Leao Dr. Talalelei Tuitama has called upon parents to encourage mothers to breastfeed children under the age of two
Tuitama's remarks were made in the official opening of breastfeeding week which kicked off with a parade through the city today.
Minister Tuitama discouraged the early use of powdered milk which has become common amongst mothers.
"The first one thousand days of a child, are the most important days of their lives, from the day they develop in the womb until they reach the age of two, the baby is most vulnerable at these ages," he said.
"At this time, only the milk provided by the child’s mother is suitable for the infant. However, most have resorted to using other means of food for the child before it has even reached the age required," added Tuitama.
"It is important that you nurture the child and breastfeed them, so they receive the nutrients they need without the risk of chemicals and such," he added.
The Minister reminded everyone that Samoa encourages breastfeeding at work for mothers, and says the Government continues to promote that mothers need to be able to breastfeed their children when needed.
"Let me remind you that feeding children with milk bottles, costs way more than the natural way they are supposed to be fed. It costs a family extra to buy formulas and babyfood in order for the baby to eat and they are not 100% safe," he added.
The launch of the special week by the Ministry has seen committees from around Upolu offer their support for the programme to encourage breastfeeding.
The committees include EFKS Vaitele Uta, Tiavea Wkmens Committee, Apia Womens Committee, Toamua Womens Committee, and the Utualii EFKS Womens Committee.