66% Of Nigerian Infants Denied Exclusive Breastfeeding – UNICEF, WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF have said 66 percent of infants in Nigeria are denied the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, with only 34 percent benefitting.

The organisations stated this in a press statement in commemoration of the World Breastfeeding Week with the theme: “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.”

They emphasised the need to improve breastfeeding support as a critical action for reducing health inequity and protecting the rights of mothers and babies to survive.

Highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding, UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, said, “Breastfeeding is the foundation of life-long health and well-being. It is a simple, cost-effective and natural way to provide infants the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.

“However, despite its proven benefits, exclusive breastfeeding rates in Nigeria remain low. Many mothers face cultural, social and practical barriers that prevent them from breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of their child’s life.”

UNICEF and WHO stressed that every child deserves the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, adding that during this critical period of early growth and development, the antibodies in breastmilk protect babies against illness and death.

They identified the key gaps in breastfeeding support in Nigeria as insufficient maternity leave policies, lack of workplace support and inadequate access to breastfeeding education and services, particularly in rural areas.

“Only seven states offer the recommended 24 weeks of paid maternity leave, and many women return to work without the necessary support to continue breastfeeding,”  they said.

To close these gaps, UNICEF and WHO called for collaboration among the government, employers, healthcare providers and communities.

They also advocated for policies to extend paid maternity leave, create breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, and provide comprehensive breastfeeding education and support services.