UNICEF Urges Collective Action to Boost Exclusive Breastfeeding in South-west Nigeria
Funmi Ogundare
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on employers, health workers, families and communities across South-west Nigeria to provide stronger support for breastfeeding mothers, stressing that collective action is essential to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates and give every child the best start in life.
The Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Lagos, Celine Lafoucriere, who made this call while speaking to mark the commencement of World Breastfeeding Week on Monday, noted that although most Nigerian mothers breastfeed their babies, far too few follow recommended breastfeeding practices.
She described breast milk as the first vaccine every baby receives, saying that it protects infants against diseases, promotes brain development and offers the healthiest start to life at no financial cost.
