Nigeria: Breastfeeding Most Effective Investment in Child Survival - Unicef

What the report says

UNICEF is highlighting breastfeeding as a key public-health investment in Nigeria, according to a report distributed by AllAfrica from Premium Times. Juliet Chiluwe, who heads UNICEF’s field office in Enugu, said more than 90% of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, but rates of optimal breastfeeding remain below national and global goals. She made the remarks in a statement marking World Breastfeeding Week, which the report says runs from 1 to 7 August 2026.

The article says UNICEF cited findings from the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey showing that only 29% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. It also reported a decline in early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. UNICEF said these gaps show the need to reinforce measures that help mothers breastfeed successfully and sustain children’s health, nutrition and development.

The report also quoted UNICEF nutrition official Ngozi Onuora, who said the agency works with federal and state governments on baby-friendly facilities, community nutrition programmes, maternal and newborn services, workplace breastfeeding protections and training for health workers. The piece adds that some states, including Abia and Anambra, have extended maternity leave to six months, while Enugu has invested in child nutrition with UNICEF support.

In broader context, UNICEF and other health agencies generally view breastfeeding promotion as part of child survival efforts because it supports infant nutrition and can reduce health risks.