UNICEF Calls for Action to Boost Breastfeeding in Nigeria

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for collective action to support breastfeeding mothers in South-west Nigeria, emphasizing that employers, health workers, families, and communities must work together to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates. Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Lagos, made this statement during the commencement of World Breastfeeding Week.

She highlighted that while many Nigerian mothers breastfeed, adherence to recommended practices is low, with only one in three babies breastfed within the first hour after birth and only three in ten infants exclusively breastfed for the first six months. Lafoucriere described breast milk as the first vaccine for infants, crucial for disease protection and brain development.

She stressed that breastfeeding should not be solely the mother's responsibility and called for supportive workplaces, accurate health information, and encouragement from family members. Lafoucriere urged employers to create breastfeeding-friendly environments and healthcare workers to ensure timely breastfeeding initiation for newborns.