UNICEF Laments Low Rate Of Exclusive Breastfeeding In Nigeria

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in Nigeria has lamented the low rate of exclusive breastfeeding of infants in Nigeria despite global and national campaigns on the benefits of breastfeeding.

Available statistics showed that only 29 per cent of Nigerian infants are exclusively breastfed in the country.

This statistic comes as the world observes Breastfeeding Week from August 1st through 7th, with renewed calls for policies that better support mothers.

Country Representative, UNICEF Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, who lamented that societal and structural barriers remain undaunted, added, “When over 90 per cent of mothers initiate breastfeeding, that’s encouraging. But rates of exclusive breastfeeding stubbornly stay at 29 per cent.

“Early initiation dropped from 42 per cent in 2018 to 36 per cent in 2023, and few children continue to breastfeed up to two years.”

Through the Nutrition 774 Initiative, UNICEF and the Nigerian government urged policymakers, employers, health workers, and communities to bolster support.

They emphasise the importance of enabling mothers to begin breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, continue exclusively for six months, and sustain breastfeeding up to 24 months by introducing complementary foods.

“This World Breastfeeding Week, we are calling on all levels of government, workplaces, and communities to establish enduring support systems, so that every mother has the resources and encouragement she needs. Let’s act beyond words for the health and development of Nigeria’s children,” Abdelatef urged.

According to UNICEF, strengthening paid maternity leave across all states, equipping health workers with up-to-date training, and fostering community awareness are essential steps toward ensuring every Nigerian infant receives optimal nutrition and a healthier start.