Bauchi Health Chief Promotes Exclusive Breastfeeding Benefits

On Monday, Dr. Rilwanu Muhammad, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board, addressed women of reproductive age, urging them to breastfeed their newborns exclusively without fear of breast sagging.

He stated that sagging is a natural consequence of aging and highlighted the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding, including its role in preventing child malnutrition and certain cancers in women. This advocacy coincided with the flag-off of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.

Dr. Muhammad linked malnutrition in Nigeria to poverty, inflation, and lack of knowledge, noting that many families live on less than $1 per day.

He described breast milk as essential for a child's immunity and nutrition and emphasized its medicinal properties. He also mentioned the ongoing Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Weeks, during which the board collaborates with UNICEF to distribute vital health supplements.

Dr. Muhammad called on journalists to educate communities about the importance of nutrition starting at home.