By Oluyemi Israel
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said that only one out of every three babies in Nigeria is fed only breast milk for the first six months.
This information was shared during a virtual meeting held in Owerri, Nigeria.
The statement was made on a Thursday during World Breastfeeding Week, which is observed every year from August 1 to August 7, with the 2025 theme focusing on creating support systems for breastfeeding.
UNICEF explained that breastfeeding is very important for a baby’s survival, growth, and health, and that mothers need time and support to breastfeed properly.
They said extending paid maternity leave in ten Nigerian states helps mothers spend more time with their babies and lowers the pressure to return to work early.
Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, UNICEF’s Chief in Enugu, made the statement and highlighted the need for lasting support for breastfeeding mothers.
Dr. Hillary Ozor, UNICEF’s Social Behavioral Change Specialist, called on families, communities, workplaces, governments, and the media to raise awareness and provide support.
UNICEF also encouraged workplaces to create special breastfeeding areas to help mothers breastfeed comfortably.