Nigeria Launches 1,000 Days of Life Breastfeeding Campaign

On August 3, 2026, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the 1,000 Days of Life Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Campaign in Abuja, reaffirming its commitment to promoting breastfeeding as a vital strategy for enhancing maternal and child health outcomes. Ms.

Daju Kachollom S mni, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that breastfeeding is a life-saving intervention for child survival and development. The campaign aligns with the global theme, “Breastfeeding for Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” highlighting the importance of reinforcing effective interventions through robust policies and community empowerment.

Ms. Kachollom pointed out that while 95% of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, optimal practices are below recommended levels, with only 36% of newborns breastfed within the first hour and 29% exclusively breastfed for the first six months.

She called for collective action to overcome barriers hindering breastfeeding practices and outlined government interventions aimed at improving these practices across Nigeria.