By Emmanuel Olinga
Katakwi District on Thursday, August 7, 2025, joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Breastfeeding Week, with a resounding call for fathers to support women during breastfeeding and a return to traditional breastfeeding practices that promote healthy child development.
Held under the global theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding and Establish a Sustainable System,” the celebrations took place at the district headquarters and attracted attendees from both Katakwi and neighboring Amuria District.
The event was a blend of advocacy, cultural reminders, and public health education.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Simon Ichumar Omeke, the District Health Officer (DHO) for Katakwi, emphasized the central role of breastfeeding in early childhood development.
He described breast milk as “the first vaccine” a child receives, packed with nutrients, antibodies, and the emotional bond critical between mother and child.
“Breastfeeding protects children from diseases, enhances brain development, and even helps mothers avoid conditions like lung cancer. It is also a natural method of child spacing,” Dr. Omeke explained.
He expressed concern, however, that many mothers face difficulties in breastfeeding due to a lack of support from their spouses.
The DHO advocated for greater male involvement, including encouraging men to take paternity leave, accompany their partners for antenatal visits, and assist with household duties to relieve pressure on breastfeeding mothers.
Dr. Omeke further condemned polygamy and extramarital affairs, warning that these practices hinder the emotional and physical support mothers need during the breastfeeding period.
He urged men to invest in their partners’ pregnancies by saving up during the nine-month gestation period and helping them access proper maternal care.
“No woman should die while breastfeeding,” he said passionately. “Let us create a culture where fathers proudly support their wives, even down to helping buy maternity clothes.”
Deborah Iyebu, Head of Project Nutrition at Welt Hunger Hilfe, noted that a district-wide awareness campaign launched on August 1 had already made significant strides in sensitizing communities on proper breastfeeding.
“We continue to drum support for exclusive breastfeeding. We want both parents to ensure their children are breastfed for at least two years, which helps improve brain health,” Iyebu stated.
She called on policymakers to implement breastfeeding-friendly environments, especially for mothers in formal employment, including designated breastfeeding rooms in public institutions.
She also committed to pushing back against gender-based violence, which often undermines women’s ability to nurture children.
“If the father supports,” Iyebu stressed, “breastfeeding becomes easier and more sustainable.”
Hariet Faith Akwi, the Principal Assistant Secretary (PAS) for Katakwi District, applauded the collaboration between the district and CSOs, encouraging more partners to join future campaigns that promote family health.
The Vice Chairperson of Katakwi District, Joseph Ecuman, warned young men against early and unprepared marriages, citing them as a cause of family breakdowns and failure to support maternal health.
Stephen Ilemukorit Okure, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Katakwi, urged cultural leaders to spearhead awareness on safe breastfeeding, emphasizing the value of traditional Iteso dishes in enhancing breast milk production and promoting child nutrition.
“Let’s put into account our local foods and practices. Modern foods are fine, but our traditional meals are richer in nutrients that boost milk flow,” Okure said.
The event’s keynote speaker, His Highness Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, the cultural leader of the Iteso, urged mothers to breastfeed for the culturally recommended period, as practiced by their forebears.
He said breastfeeding was not only a health necessity but a cultural obligation, deeply rooted in Teso traditions.
He also encouraged men to play active and responsible roles during pregnancy and postpartum, guiding their wives through the journey of childbirth and early parenting.
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