By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Mother Breastfeeding her Baby |
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is pushing for greater family and community support to promote exclusive breastfeeding and combat childhood diseases in Bauchi State.
At a press conference marking 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, stressed that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is crucial for a child’s survival, brain development, and long-term health.
Dr. Rafique advocated for, Six-month paid maternity leave for civil servants to help mothers breastfeed and bond with their babies. Family-friendly workplace policies and community awareness campaigns to support nursing mothers. Stronger healthcare systems to ensure mothers receive proper guidance on breastfeeding.
UNICEF commended Bauchi’s Local Government Association (ALGON) for releasing N100 million for the Children Nutrition Fund (CNF). However, the agency is still waiting for the state government’s pledged N200 million contribution. Once fulfilled, the total N600 million fund will provide nutritious food for children.
Ms. Philomena Irene, a UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, revealed shocking statistics from the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). Only 26.4% of Nigerian infants (0-5 months) are exclusively breastfed. Just 12% are breastfed within the first hour of birth.
To improve child health, UNICEF urges mothers to follow the "1-6-24" guideline, 1 hour Start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. 6 months, Exclusively breastfeed for the first six months. 24 months, Continue breastfeeding alongside solid foods up to two years.
Abubakar Sade, Nutrition Officer at the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, reaffirmed the state’s dedication to improving child nutrition and health outcomes.
Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality, boosts immunity, and enhances cognitive development. With stronger policies and community support, more Nigerian children can thrive.