WBW 2025: UNICEF Urges Mothers on Early Initiation of Breastfeeding for Child Survival

By Adamu IMAM Bauchi

WBW 2025: UNICEF Urges Mothers on Early Initiation of Breastfeeding for Child Survival

By Adamu IMAM Bauchi 

World Breastfeeding Week 2025 August 1–7 is a vital opportunity to highlight breastfeeding as a cornerstone of child survival, growth, and healthy development, with the theme: "Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems," underscores the urgent need to build lasting systems that support mothers to breastfeed successfully at home, in healthcare settings, workplaces, and communities.

This was among the key points highlighted during a meeting with media stakeholders at the Bauchi field office BFO in line with the series of activities marking the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week WBW in the state 

Some of the issues raised during the briefing was optimal breastfeeding = 1-6-24, starting breastfeeding within the first hour of birth (early initiation of breastfeeding) exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) - feeding only breastmilk for the first six months, without giving water or any other foods or fluids

The meeting also disclosed that, introducing safe, nutritious complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to at least 24 months,

Good nutrition is the foundation of a child’s survival, growth, and development.while empowering children to learn, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to society.

However, malnutrition, especially in early life—can derail this potential, limiting a child's future before it has even begun.

Furthermire, In Bauchi state only 26% of newborns are exclusively breastfed during the first six months of life. Even more troubling, over 88% of newborns are not breastfed within the first hour of birth—missing a critical window for nutrition, immunity, and bonding.

"The UNICEF stayed that, "this is not because mothers don’t want to breastfeed, but let’s face it - we cannot advice a mother to breastfeed and then give her no support, no time, no space, and expect miracles,

Breastfeeding is more than just nourishment; it is a natural, renewable food source that is environmentally sustainable. It is produced and delivered without generating waste, pollution, or carbon emissions. "In contrast, artificial feeding contributes significantly to environmental degradation through industrial production, packaging, and transportation, they said.

Therefore, UNICEF is partnering with Bauchi state to roll out the Warm Chain Campaign—a coordinated effort that centers the mother–baby pair and connects caregivers, health workers, community actors, and employers. The goal is to ensure continuous support for breastfeeding throughout the crucial first 1,000 days of life.

UNICEF further confirm that, evidence shows that: timely counseling, education, and lactation support at delivery can increase exclusive breastfeeding by up to 50%, while combining antenatal and postnatal counseling is more effective than interventions focused on a single period.

Moreso, supportive workplace policies, especially maternity leave, significantly improve breastfeeding outcomes, to strengthen support for breastfeeding in Bauchi State, 

UNICEF reiterated determination and calls on the government to pass the bill extending maternity leave from four to six months, in line with the Federal Government’s recommendation.

As well as establishing crèches and breastfeeding corners in state secretariats and other public institutions to enable working mothers to breastfeed safely and conveniently.

Similarly, to our communities and employers Breastfeeding is not just women’s work. It’s a collective action towards nation-building.and the media should always tell the truth, change the narrative bust the myths as well.

UNICEF Bauchi field office BFO encouraged more commitment to make 2025 the year Bauchi turns the tide on breastfeeding, where breastfeeding becomes every child’s right and every mother’s reality. UNICEF stands unwavering their commitment to the Government of Nigeria, to ensure every child gets the strongest start through the life-changing power of breastfeeding.