Only 35.5 percent of children in Nigeria breastfeed within an hour of birth
By Olatunji Omirin, Maiduguri
The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund has called on pregnant women in Borno state to initiate their new born into breast milk consumption within one hour of birth.
Speaking during the flag-off event of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week on Saturday in Maiduguri, Borno state, the UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Busiku stated that only 35.5 percent of children in Nigeria were initiated to breast milk within one hour of birth and only 28.8 percent were exclusively breastfed.
According to him, this year’s theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support System” highlights the urgent need to prioritising actions and systems leading to equitable access to breastfeeding especially for vulnerable women in rural and conflict affected areas.
He said “Only 35. 5 percent of children in Nigeria were initiated to breast milk within one hour of birth, and only 28. 8 percent were exclusively breastfed”.
“Every child born in Borno state deserves to be initiated to breast milk within one hour of birth, exclusively, breastfed for the next six months of life and continue breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond”.
Francis also warned against the use of breast milk substitute and unsafe water, while noting that it poses seriously health risk to infants.
“The use of breast milk substitute and unsafe water in our communities can pose serious risks to health of infants. It is therefore critical that the state enacts, enforces, and monitors the International Code of Marketing of Breast milk Substitutes to protect children and promote breastfeeding” he advised.
He emphasized that breast milk provides all essential nutrients infants needs in the first six months and offers maximum protection against illness and support health growth and development.
The UNICEF boss further called on the Borno state government and stakeholders to strengthen maternal protection polices, increase funding support, revitalize baby-friendly initiatives and prioritize community-level nutrition interventions.
“Together, through strategic partnerships, innovative approaches, and sustained commitment, we can transform breastfeeding practices across Borno state. UNICEF remains steadfast in it’s support to the government and partners in this vital vision”. He concluded.
