WBW: 76% of Babies in Nigeria Denied Exclusive Breastfeeding – UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has lamented that a whopping 76 percent of babies between 0-6 months are denied exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria.
The Chief of Field Office UNICEF Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, said this in Calabar, Monday at the flag off ceremony of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week, with the theme: ‘Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for all.’
While stressing the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, Mrs Chiluwe noted: “Breastfeeding is not only the cornerstone of a child’s healthy development; it is key to achieving sustainable development Goals by 2030.
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“Exclusive breastfeeding occurs only among 24 percent of newborns in Cross River State. which is still below the global target of at least 50% by 2025. What this means is that 76% (i.e almost 8 out of 10) of our children between ages 0-6 months are denied the uncontested benefits that come with exclusive breastfeeding.”
In her remarks, Rev Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, wife of the Cross River state governor, said the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding is long lasting and can continue to adulthood.
“For instance, breastfed babies are less likely to develop ear infections, respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal illnesses. They are also at lower risk of developing chronic illnesses later in life such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and asthma,” Rev Otu, who was represented by Apostle Mrs Queen Essien, noted.
The Governor’s wife added that the State government, in order to encourage exclusive breastfeeding, was implementing “six months paid maternity leave for mother’s working in the State civil service against the previous three months.”
