UNICEF Calls for Support for Breastfeeding Mothers in Nigeria

Mrs. Bimbo, a mother of a three-month-old baby, shares her commitment to exclusive breastfeeding, stating she provides only breast milk without any additional food or water. Her experience reflects a broader trend in Nigeria, where many mothers face significant challenges in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding due to economic hardships and exhaustion.

UNICEF, during World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7, called for increased societal support for breastfeeding mothers, emphasizing that breast milk serves as a vital source of protection for infants. Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Lagos, described breast milk as every baby's "first vaccine," essential for protecting against illnesses and supporting brain development.

Alarmingly, UNICEF reports that only about three in ten Nigerian babies are exclusively breastfed during their first six months, and only one in three is put to the breast within the first hour after birth. Lafoucriere stressed that the responsibility for breastfeeding support should not rest solely on mothers, highlighting the need for supportive workplaces, accurate information from health workers, and encouragement from family members.