The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has called on Nigerians to strengthen support for breastfeeding by creating enabling environments for mothers at home, in communities, healthcare facilities, and workplaces.
This was stated in a Tuesday release from the ministry’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Ado Bako.
Bako said the call aligns with the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, themed: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
He explained that the week is scheduled to be observed globally from August 1 to August 7.
The assistant director emphasized that the theme highlights the need to build on proven strategies that improve breastfeeding practices while assessing progress toward better nutrition, food security, and poverty reduction.
He described breastfeeding as the foundation of lifelong health, providing optimal nutrition for infants and boosting immunity.
“Breastfeeding supports healthy brain development, improves child survival, and contributes significantly to human capital development and national productivity,” he said.
Bako added that promoting and protecting breastfeeding also reduces healthcare costs and advances food security and social equity.
“The ministry emphasizes that every mother deserves the support needed to breastfeed successfully.
“Families, healthcare providers, employers, communities, and policymakers all have vital roles in ensuring that breastfeeding mothers receive adequate care, encouragement, and workplace support,” he stated.
He reiterated the ministry’s recommendations on optimal infant feeding practices, including early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
He also stressed the importance of introducing appropriate complementary foods from six months while continuing breastfeeding up to two years or beyond.
Bako noted that breast milk remains the ideal food for infants because it is safe, readily available, affordable, hygienic, and provides protection against many childhood illnesses.
He explained that increased breastfeeding helps families avoid the high costs of infant formula and preventable diseases.
Activities for the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week will be held nationwide, including a national event on August 3.
Other activities include a media conference by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and community outreach programs.
He urged Nigerians to support mothers in breastfeeding according to national guidelines.
“Collective action to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding is an investment in healthier children, stronger families, and a more prosperous Nigeria,” Bako concluded.
