The United Nations Children Funds Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Kwara State government for expanding the women’s maternity leave from three to six months.
The agency, during this year’s World Breastfeeding Week celebrations, described the state as one of the compliant states with a genuine interest in its citizens.
The country’s representative, represented by the Nutrition Specialist at the Kaduna Field Office, Chinwe Ezeife, however, lamented that while breastfeeding is ideally recommended to continue for at least 24 months, as advised by UNICEF and WHO, many Nigerian babies are weaned too early. (NDHS)
She said that rates have declined for early initiation of breastfeeding from 42 per cent in 2018 to 36 per cent in 2023 (NDHS), while exclusive breastfeeding rates have remained stagnant at 29 per cent in 2018 and 2023 (NDHS)
“Only one in three babies is given breastmilk in the first hour after birth (36 per cent), and only one in three babies is exclusively breastfed for up to six months,” she stated.
The UNICEF officer also stated that World Breastfeeding Week, observed between August 1 and 7, presents a vital opportunity to emphasise breastfeeding as a cornerstone of child survival, growth, and healthy development.
The wife of the governor, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazak, enjoined the spouses of the local government chairmen in the state to work closely with the state health team to take ownership of the “Nutrition 16 initiative” being domesticated and amplify the campaign in their communities.
She charged: “Leveraging on your influence in our communities, I enjoin you also to support building robust and sustainable systems to encourage and facilitate breastfeeding in your local government areas.”
She stated that the state was deliberate in addressing issues related to mothers and children, as evidenced by her husband’s administration.
She commended UNICEF and other development partners for their support in improving the health of women, children, and indeed all Kwarans. “Your invaluable support in implementing these strategies is indeed helping to save lives,” she added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, warned nursing mothers not to substitute breast milk with water or herbal drinks during the first six months.
She advised old mothers on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond.
“This is proven to foster healthy development physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
“Breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways to ensure infant health and survival. Breast milk provides the perfect mix of nutrients, strengthens babies’ immune systems, reduces the risk of infection, and lays the foundation for lifelong well-being,” she argued.
Dr. El-Imam further said: “Data across Nigeria remind us that only a portion of infants get the full benefit of exclusive breastfeeding -and we must intensify our efforts to meet national and global targets for improved rates.
“According to the 2023 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) only 36 per cent of newborns in Nigeria are breastfed within the first hour of birth, and just 29 per cent of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. These figures are a clear reminder of the need for intensified awareness, stronger community engagement, and collaborative actions from all stakeholders.”
The commissioner, who noted that many mothers still face challenges related to awareness, misinformation, and social pressures, added that workplace constraints too often stand in their way.
“That is why Kwara State is committed to supporting, promoting and maintaining breastfeeding through policies like six-month maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers.
The 2025 theme, “Prioritise 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.
