UNICEF Advocates for Exclusive Breastfeeding in Nigeria

UNICEF has called on Nigerian mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding, emphasizing its role as a cost-effective method for ensuring child health and reducing financial burdens associated with breast milk substitutes. This message was conveyed during a two-day zonal media dialogue in Enugu, aimed at journalists and stakeholders from Benue, Cross River, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi states, in preparation for the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.

Dr Ngozi Onuora, UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, stated that breast milk is the safest and most economical nutrition source for infants, recommending exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. She noted that while some states, like Cross River, have improved their exclusive breastfeeding rates from 7% in 2021 to 22% in 2024, many still fall between 15% and 17%.

Factors such as poor family support and misinformation hinder breastfeeding practices. Dr Hilary Ozoh, a UNICEF SBC expert, described breastfeeding as a vital investment for improving child survival and maternal health.