2026 World Breastfeeding Week: FG Rallies Nigerians to Support Mothers, Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding for Healthier Future
By Pan Afric Reporters
Ministry says stronger family, workplace and community support critical to child survival, nutrition and national development
The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to strengthen support for breastfeeding mothers by creating enabling environments at home, in workplaces, healthcare facilities and communities, as the country prepares to commemorate the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7.
The appeal was contained in a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and signed by Mr. Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, ahead of the global campaign.
The Ministry said this year’s theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” underscores the need to consolidate proven breastfeeding strategies while assessing progress towards improved nutrition, food security and poverty reduction.
According to the Ministry, breastfeeding remains one of the most effective interventions for ensuring healthy child development, reducing infant mortality and building a more productive society.
It noted that breastmilk provides optimal nutrition, strengthens infants’ immune systems, supports brain development, enhances child survival and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s human capital development.
The Ministry stressed that successful breastfeeding requires the collective support of families, employers, healthcare workers, communities and policymakers.
“Every mother deserves the support needed to breastfeed successfully. Families, healthcare providers, employers, communities and policymakers all have critical roles in ensuring that breastfeeding mothers receive adequate care, encouragement and workplace support,” the statement said.
The Ministry reaffirmed its national breastfeeding recommendations, urging mothers to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and introduce appropriate complementary foods from six months while continuing breastfeeding up to two years or beyond.
It described breastmilk as the ideal source of nutrition for infants because it is safe, hygienic, affordable, readily available and provides the first line of defence against many common childhood diseases.
The Ministry added that increased breastfeeding also helps families reduce the financial burden associated with infant formula and the treatment of preventable childhood illnesses.
“Breastfeeding remains the foundation of lifelong health. It provides optimal nutrition for infants, strengthens immunity, supports healthy brain development, improves child survival, and contributes significantly to human capital development and national productivity,” the Ministry stated.
As part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, the Ministry disclosed that a National Commemoration will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, alongside a press briefing by the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, community outreach programmes, health worker training, media campaigns and advocacy activities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Ministry urged all Nigerians to actively participate in the campaign by supporting mothers to breastfeed in line with national guidelines, emphasizing that protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding is an investment in healthier children, stronger families and a more prosperous Nigeria.
“Collective action to protect, promote and support breastfeeding is an investment in healthier children, stronger families and a more prosperous Nigeria,” the statement added.
