UNICEF calls for urgent investment in breastfeeding support systems

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for urgent and sustained investment in breastfeeding-friendly policies, decrying stagnating breastfeeding rates and declining early initiation practices in Nigeria.

At a virtual Multi-Zonal Media Dialogue—held in collaboration with the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA) and attended by our Correspondent—UNICEF emphasized the need for stronger support across homes, workplaces, healthcare systems, and communities during the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, themed: “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”

Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, UNICEF Communication Officer in Enugu, revealed that only 36 percent of Nigerian newborns are breastfed within the first hour of life, while exclusive breastfeeding has remained stagnant at 29 percent since 2018.

According to her, early initiation of breastfeeding declined from 42 percent in 2018 to 36 percent in 2023, citing data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

She noted that babies in Nigeria are often weaned off breastmilk prematurely, and that 26 out of 30 states lack key supportive breastfeeding policies such as paid maternity leave, workplace crèches, or breastfeeding breaks.

“Most workplaces, both formal and informal, lack the infrastructure or policies to support nursing mothers. Breastfeeding should not be a privilege—it must be a right supported at every level,” she said.

UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, in her remarks, emphasized the health and developmental importance of breastfeeding, describing it as a cornerstone of child survival and maternal well-being.

She referenced the global “1-6-24” breastfeeding model—initiation within the first hour, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least 24 months.

Despite challenges, Chiluwe said that more than 90 percent of Nigerian women have breastfed at some point, indicating deep cultural acceptance. She added that ten states now offer six-month paid maternity leave in line with global best practices.

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UNICEF urged healthcare providers to promote early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding and to provide continuous support from antenatal to postnatal care.

The agency also called on employers to implement supportive policies such as extended maternity leave, flexible work options, breastfeeding breaks, and on-site lactation rooms.

Staff unions and colleagues were encouraged to defend mothers’ rights at work by advocating for parental leave, offering emotional support, and helping to reduce stigma.

The meeting charged governments and employers to expand maternity protection laws and breastfeeding infrastructure, integrating these into national healthcare and labor policies.

Healthcare workers were advised to prioritize breastfeeding counseling during antenatal and postnatal visits and to actively counter harmful myths and misinformation.

UNICEF also called on its champions, influencers, and the public to challenge misleading baby formula marketing and promote breastfeeding as a shared societal responsibility.

Director-General of BCA, Mr. Francis Nwubani, described breastfeeding as key to long-term health, economic growth, and equity, and urged media professionals to amplify awareness campaigns across platforms.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE