By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Breastfeeding mother |
The Lagos State Government has announced a major achievement in child health, with its exclusive breastfeeding rate rising to 57.4%, surpassing the World Health Organization (WHO) global target of 50%.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, revealed this during a press briefing marking the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week.
While celebrating this milestone, she highlighted concerns over the low 14% early initiation rate of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, citing gaps in healthcare delivery and cultural practices as key barriers.
Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized the critical importance of colostrum the first milk rich in antibodies for newborn immunity. She noted that pre-lacteal feeds like glucose water and infant formula are still prevalent due to misinformation.
To address this, Lagos is training midwives and birth attendants to ensure proper breastfeeding initiation. “When babies miss colostrum, their immunity is compromised from day one,” she warned. The state is also intensifying health education and antenatal counseling to prepare mothers for optimal breastfeeding practices.
Under the theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” Dr. Ogunyemi stressed the need for long-term institutional and workplace policies to support nursing mothers.
Lagos has implemented a six-month paid maternity leave and two-week paternity leave for public sector workers a policy that has set a benchmark in Nigeria. “We urge private employers to adopt this standard,” she said, noting that continued breastfeeding up to two years enhances cognitive and physical development.
Dr. Folashade Oludara, Director of Family Health and Nutrition, described exclusive breastfeeding as the most economical and safest infant feeding option, particularly amid rising living costs.
“It’s free, readily available, and has no side effects,” she said, debunking myths that breastfeeding causes saggy breasts. She called for more public awareness campaigns to correct misconceptions, adding that breastfeeding also reduces breast cancer risk in mothers.
Child health advocate Dr. Lola Alonge praised Lagos for pioneering the six-month maternity leave policy, urging more private companies to follow suit.
“Private employers hire more women without their support, national breastfeeding targets won’t be met,” she said. As Lagos celebrates this progress, stakeholders emphasize the need for continued investment in maternal and child nutrition programs to sustain and improve these gains.