The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) has called on Nigerians to strengthen support for breastfeeding as the country joins the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) from August 1 to 7.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry said this year’s theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” underscores the need to build on proven strategies that have improved breastfeeding practices while advancing better nutrition, food security and poverty reduction.
The Ministry described breastfeeding as the foundation of lifelong health, noting that it provides optimal nutrition for infants, strengthens immunity, promotes healthy brain development, improves child survival and contributes significantly to national productivity and human capital development.
It stressed that promoting and protecting breastfeeding also reduces healthcare costs, enhances food security and advances social equity.
According to the Ministry, every mother deserves the support needed to breastfeed successfully, urging families, healthcare providers, employers, communities and policymakers to create enabling environments for breastfeeding at home, in healthcare facilities and workplaces
The Ministry reaffirmed its recommendations for early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and the introduction of appropriate complementary foods from six months while continuing breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond.
It noted that breastmilk remains the ideal food for infants because it is safe, affordable, hygienic, readily available and provides protection against many common childhood illnesses, while helping families avoid the high cost of infant formula and preventable diseases.
As part of the nationwide commemoration, the Ministry said activities would include a national event on August 3, a press briefing by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, community outreach programmes, health worker training, media campaigns and advocacy activities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Ministry called on all Nigerians to support mothers in adhering to national breastfeeding recommendations, stressing that collective action to protect, promote and support breastfeeding is an investment in healthier children, stronger families and a more prosperous Nigeria.
