The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for increased involvement of men in promoting exclusive breastfeeding practices, particularly in some states in Northeastern Nigeria where the rates are alarmingly low.
Speaking to journalists shortly after a media dialogue in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, Philomena Irene, UNICEF’s Nutrition Specialist for the Bauchi Office, highlighted the need for targeted efforts to improve these rates and protect the health and development of infants in the region.
“Exclusive breastfeeding rates in the Northeast, especially in states like Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, and Plateau, are far from where they should be,” Irene stated. “We are not proud of these numbers, and that’s why we are collaborating with journalists to work with men—who are the primary decision-makers at home—to make a difference.”
States Data
Earlier, Irene in a presentation at the Media Dialogue titled: ‘Beyond Mothers: Analysing the Role of Fathers and Family Members in Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding for Child Survival’ revealed that Adamawa has a 53.3% exclusive breastfeeding rate, Bauchi; 26.4%, Borno; 40.8%, Gombe; 30.7%, Plateau; 38.6%, and Taraba; 33.7%.
She added that in patriarchal societies, where men often hold the authority in household decisions, their involvement is crucial in advocating for exclusive breastfeeding.
“We want men to become change agents and lead the charge in ensuring their wives practice exclusive breastfeeding and receive the appropriate nutrition at home,” Irene emphasized.
“The percentages are particularly troubling in Bauchi and Gombe states, where the rates are below 50%. This is unacceptable because it means that more than half of our children are not exclusively breastfed, leaving them vulnerable to chronic diseases, lower intellectual capacity, gastrointestinal issues, and diarrhea.”
She further stressed that exclusive breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the child’s health but also cost-effective for families.
“Breastfeeding is cheap and affordable. We want mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding, and we need husbands at home to support them by creating a stress-free environment conducive to breastfeeding, particularly during the first six months, and continuing until the child is two years old.”
Plant-Based Nutrients
Due to the rising cost of living, Irene urged mothers to explore plant-based diets, such as soya beans, groundnuts, beans, and spinach, which are nutrient-rich and can be prepared in various forms—from snacks to meals and drinks.
She said “these foods are not only good for the mother’s health, helping to build immunity and provide essential nutrients, but also crucial for ensuring that mothers are well-nourished and capable of producing sufficient breast milk.
“We want the media to highlight the critical role men play as husbands, caregivers, and role models in families, ensuring that their wives practice exclusive breastfeeding,” Irene said.
She also added that grandmothers, who are often seen as custodians of culture, are critical in encouraging young and newly married mothers to adopt exclusive breastfeeding practices.
“We must create an enabling environment where mothers can breastfeed stress-free. This includes ensuring they have access to nutritious foods like fish, meat, eggs, and beans, which help mothers produce sufficient breast milk and contribute to the healthy, well-nourished growth of their children.”