The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says the number of Nigerian under-six-month-old infants who are exclusively breastfed has increased by 10% over the past 12 years.
In a press release issued on Thursday as part of activities to mark World Breastfeeding Week, UNICEF said currently, 34% of Nigerian infants benefit from exclusive breastfeeding, a practice that saves hundreds of thousands of lives.
“This World Breastfeeding Week, under the theme “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all,” UNICEF and WHO are emphasizing the need to improve breastfeeding support as a critical action for reducing health inequity and protecting the rights of mothers and babies to survive and thrive.”
It disclosed that despite this progress, challenges hinder achieving the World Health Organization’s target of 50% exclusive breastfeeding by 2025.
“Breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong health and well-being,” said Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative.
“However, many mothers in Nigeria face cultural, social, and practical barriers that prevent exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.”
Breastfeeding is crucial during early development, providing antibodies that protect babies from illnesses and death, especially in emergencies where it guarantees a safe, nutritious food source.
This practice also reduces childhood illnesses and the risk of certain cancers and non-communicable diseases for mothers, Munduate added.
In Nigeria, the gaps for access to exclusive breastfeeding include insufficient maternity leave policies, lack of workplace support, and inadequate access to breastfeeding education and services, particularly in rural areas.
According to UNICEF, only seven states currently offer the recommended 24 weeks of paid maternity leave, and many women return to work without the necessary support to continue breastfeeding.
UNICEF and WHO call for collaboration among the government, employers, healthcare providers, and communities to address these gaps.
The international NGOs recommended extending paid maternity leave, creating breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, as well as providing comprehensive breastfeeding education and support services
Meanwhile, the statement noted that UNICEF aims to set a world record on August 1st, 2024, with 30,000 mothers breastfeeding simultaneously across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
The event seeks to highlight the importance of breastfeeding and challenge harmful nutrition practices like introducing water and other pre-lacteal feeds during the first six months.
“Breastfeeding is a shared responsibility,” Munduate added. “Families, communities, healthcare workers, policymakers, and other decision-makers all play a central role in increasing investment, implementing family-friendly policies, and ensuring support for at-risk mothers.”
