Nigeria's Ministry Promotes Breastfeeding for Health Week

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will participate in the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7, 2026, calling on Nigerians to enhance support for breastfeeding. The theme for this year, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” focuses on building on effective strategies that improve breastfeeding practices while assessing progress towards better nutrition, food security, and poverty reduction.

Breastfeeding is crucial for lifelong health, providing optimal nutrition, strengthening immunity, and supporting brain development. The Ministry advocates for early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and the introduction of complementary foods from six months while continuing breastfeeding up to two years or beyond.

Nationwide activities will include a National Commemoration on August 3, 2026, press briefings, community outreach, health worker training, and media campaigns. The Ministry emphasizes that collective action is essential for supporting breastfeeding mothers, which contributes to healthier children and a more prosperous Nigeria.