… Calls on employers, health workers, families to support mothersBy Chioma Obinna
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Monday called for stronger support from employers, healthcare workers and families to improve breastfeeding practices in Nigeria, warning that too many babies are being denied the life-saving benefits of early and exclusive breastfeeding.
However, in her message to mark this year’s World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), the Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Lagos, Celine Lafoucriere, said that although most Nigerian mothers breastfeed, only a small proportion of infants receive breastmilk in line with recommended global guidelines.
The warning is also coming as the 2023-24 National Demographic and Health Survey; (NDHS) revealed that although over 90 per cent of mothers breastfeed, the situation is a disturbing trend when it comes to optimal breastfeeding as early breastfeeding initiation has declined from 42 per cent in 2018 to 36 per cent in 2023, while rates of exclusive breastfeeding have stagnated at 29 per cent.
Additionally, only 23 per cent of babies are breastfed for the recommended two years.Also, only 12 of the 36+1 states have paid maternity leave up to six months.
