UNICEF Advocates for Support of Nursing Mothers in Nigeria

During World Breastfeeding Week, UNICEF urged employers, healthcare workers, families, and communities to support nursing mothers in Southwest Nigeria. Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office in Lagos, highlighted that while breastfeeding is common, adherence to recommended practices is low, with only one in three babies breastfed within the first hour of birth and only three in ten infants exclusively breastfed for the first six months.

Lafoucriere described breast milk as “the first vaccine every baby receives,” essential for protecting children from illness and promoting healthy brain development. She stressed the importance of a supportive environment, including workplace policies that allow time and space for breastfeeding, and healthcare workers ensuring newborns are breastfed promptly.

Lafoucriere acknowledged the challenges mothers face and reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to improving maternal and child nutrition. World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7 to raise awareness about the significance of breastfeeding.