Breastfeeding Key to Child Survival, Says UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says breastfeeding is one of the best ways to ensure child survival, health, nutrition, and national progress.

Juliet Chiluwe, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Enugu, said this in a statement on Sunday. This was to mark the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week in Enugu.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this year’s event runs from 1 August to 7 August. The theme is “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

Mrs Chiluwe noted that even though over 90 per cent of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, the best breastfeeding practices are still below national and global goals.

She mentioned that according to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), only 29 per cent of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed.

“Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth has dropped by 36 per cent.

“These figures show the urgent need to strengthen proven methods that help mothers breastfeed successfully,” she added.

The UNICEF chief explained that this year's theme encourages countries to build on existing systems that have already shown success in boosting breastfeeding rates.

Ngozi Onuora, the chief nutritionist at the UNICEF Enugu Field Office, shared that UNICEF is working with both federal and state governments to improve specific breastfeeding programs.

She explained that the Enugu field office has supported baby-friendly facilities, boosted community-based nutrition programs, and enhanced maternal, newborn, and child health services.

“We advocate for better workplace protection and breastfeeding services; we promote the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and train healthcare workers in breastfeeding counseling,” she said.

According to her, through UNICEF’s targeted efforts, some states like Abia and Anambra have passed laws extending maternity leave for working mothers from three months to six months.

“Enugu has also invested money to ensure children get proper nutrition across the state, thanks to UNICEF’s specific programs,” she added.

Mrs Onuora praised partners such as the United States Government, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Child Nutrition Fund, the Broadcast Corporation of Abia, and the Enugu State Government.

She said these partnerships have strengthened efforts in various areas of nutrition and breastfeeding in the nine states covered by UNICEF.