REPORTER: EMEFIENA OKONKWO
The Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe says World Breastfeeding Week is an opportunity to renew collective commitment to protecting, promoting and supporting Breastfeeding as one of the most effective investment in child survival, health,nutrition and national development.
Mrs Chiluwe stated this in Enugu, during Media Briefing on this(2026), year’s World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place from first to seventh of August.
Mrs Chiluwe explained that the theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is,” Breastfeeding for a Sustainable start in Life:strengthen what works “, and encourages countries to strengthen existing systems that have already proven effective in increasing Breastfeeding rates.
She noted Breastfeeding is environmentally friendly, naturally renewable and require no manufacturing, packaging,transportation or waste disposal, improving child survival and preventing malnutrition.
Also speaking to journalists, the Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF Enugu Field Office, Mrs Ngozi Onuora noted that although more than ninety percent of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, optimal breastfeeding practices remain below national and global targets.
Mrs Onuora recommended that babies should receive only breastmilk for the first six months, without water or other foods unless medically indicated.
She further explained that from six months, nutritious complementary foods should be introduced while Breastfeeding continues until at least two years of age and beyond.
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every first to seventh August, with annual themes including healthcare systems,women and work.
Since 2016,World Breastfeeding Week is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.
