UNICEF Laments Decline In Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that a survey by the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) shows that rates of early breastfeeding initiation have declined from 42% in 2018 to 36% in 2023.

In a presentation by the communication specialist, UNICEF, Enugu Field Office, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha Ogwe, she said that exclusive breastfeeding rates remained stagnant at 29% in 2018 and 2023, according to NDHS.

She said that ideally, breastfeeding should continue for at least 24 months, as recommended by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Only 1 in 3 babies are given breastmilk in the first hour after birth which stands at 36% and only 1 in 3 babies is exclusively breastfed for up to six months which stand at 29%.”

Mrs. Ogwe made the disclosure during A Media Dialogue on the Dissemination of Key Advocacy Messages during 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, organised by UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office in collaboration with the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, BCA Umuahia.

She maintained that healthcare workers in the country play a vital role in supporting breastfeeding but expressed concern that, despite this vital role, many still lack the tools, time, and training to provide adequate care.

Mrs. Ogwe said that 10 states, Lagos, Kwara, Ekiti, Oyo, Cross River, Kaduna, Niger, Ondo, Enugu and Plateau have extended paid maternity leave for up to six months for public workers.

“26 out of 36 States in Nigeria have not created an enabling environment, which includes paid maternity leave, breastfeeding breaks and workplace facilities for effective breastfeeding, therefore undermining mothers’ ability to sustain breastfeeding practice.

“Most work places in formal and informal sectors lack policies and facilities favourable for effective breastfeeding,” she said.

She noted that breastfeeding improves maternal health and reduces healthcare costs and urged the government to integrate breastfeeding promotion into national health policies, maternal and child health programmes, and insurance schemes.

In a remark, the director general of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, BCA Umuahia, Mr. Francis Nwubani, said that it’s time to recognise breastfeeding as a powerful foundation for lifelong health, development, and equity.

“World Breastfeeding Week shines a particular spotlight on the ongoing support women and babies need from the healthcare system through their breastfeeding journey.

“This means ensuring every mother has access to the support and information she needs to breastfeed as long as she wishes to do so,” he noted.

He, however, said that breastfeeding can be challenging when parents are not fully supported.

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