UNICEF urges mothers to breastfeed children to reduce illness, non-communicable diseases

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that breastfeeding reduces the burden of childhood illness, and the risk of certain types of cancers and non-communicable diseases for mothers.

The UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, Christian Manduate made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Bauchi State.

The advice came as UNICEF observed the World Breastfeeding Week with the theme ‘Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.’

UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are emphasising the need to improve breastfeeding support as a critical action for reducing health inequity and protecting the rights of mothers and babies to survive and thrive.

Manduate said that in Nigeria there were insufficient maternity leave policies, lack of workplace support, and inadequate access to breastfeeding education and services, particularly in rural areas.

“Breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong health and well-being. It is a simple, cost-effective, and natural way to provide infants with 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. During this critical period of early growth and development, the antibodies in breast milk protect babies against illness and death. This is especially important during emergencies, when breastfeeding guarantees a safe, nutritious, and accessible food source for infants and young children.

Read also: UNICEF seeks longer maternity leave to promote exclusive breastfeeding

“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,” he said.

According to the UNICEF representative, “The government, employers, healthcare providers, and communities need to collaborate. Policies should also be enacted to extend paid maternity leave, create breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, and provide comprehensive breastfeeding education and support services.

“This year, UNICEF is supporting Nigeria in setting the world record for the highest number of lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously.

“This initiative not only aims for a record but also seeks to draw attention to the importance of breastfeeding, as well as challenge harmful nutrition norms and practices, specifically the introduction of water and other pre-lactal feeds during the first six months of a baby’s life.”