FG, UNICEF Call For Stronger Support Systems To Prioritise Breastfeeding
By Alice Etuka, Abuja
As World Breastfeeding Week is marked globally from August 1–7, the Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), reinforces the urgent need to prioritise breastfeeding by creating sustainable support systems for mothers across the country.
UNICEF Nigeria disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
This year’s theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” highlights the strategic importance of breast milk for child survival, growth, and healthy development.
According to the statement, “Breast milk is not only natural but also the most complete source of nutrition for infants. The antibodies in breast milk protect children from diseases, breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests and are less likely to be overweight or obese as they grow.
“For women, breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of certain types of cancers as well as Type II Diabetes. Breastfeeding is also a climate-smart solution. It’s sustainable, cost-effective, and zero-waste”.
It noted that despite these enormous benefits, breastfeeding was often under-supported or misunderstood. “Although over 90% of mothers breastfeed, which is to be commended, recent data from the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2023-24) shows a disturbing trend when it comes to optimal breastfeeding.
“Early breastfeeding initiation has declined from 42% in 2018 to 36% in 2023, while rates of exclusive breastfeeding rates have stagnated at 29%. Additionally, only 23% of babies are breastfed up to the recommended two years of age. Only 12 of the 36+1 states, have paid maternity leave up to six months”, UNICEF said.
The Global body further stated that, to change this narrative, it was crucial that mothers receive support—whether at home, in healthcare settings, or workplaces—to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, breastfeed exclusively for six months, and continue alongside nutritious complementary foods for at least 18 months more.
On her part, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Abdelatef urged the government, workplace and communities to build lasting support systems that encourage mothers to breastfeed:
“Breast milk is central to child survival and development. We all have a role to play in supporting mothers to breastfeed effectively. This World Breastfeeding Week, we urge every level of government, every workplace, and every community to build lasting support systems so that no mother lacks the encouragement or resources she needs. Let us mark this week not just with words, but with action”, she said.
