The Nigerian government has called on citizens to strengthen breastfeeding support and create enabling environments for mothers at home, in communities, healthcare facilities and workplaces.
The call was made by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare ahead of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, scheduled for August 1 to 7, with the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
In a statement by the Assistant Director, Information & Public Relations, Addo Bako, the ministry said the theme highlights the need to build on proven strategies that have improved breastfeeding practices while advancing nutrition, food security and poverty reduction.
The Ministry said breastfeeding remains the foundation of lifelong health, providing optimal nutrition for infants, strengthening immunity, supporting healthy brain development and improving child survival.
Bako explained that promoting and protecting breastfeeding could reduce healthcare costs, advance food security and contribute to human capital development and national productivity.
He stressed that every mother deserves the support required to breastfeed successfully, noting that families, healthcare providers, employers, communities and policymakers all have critical roles to play in ensuring that breastfeeding mothers receive adequate care, encouragement and workplace support.
The Ministry reiterated its recommendation for mothers to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, practise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and introduce appropriate complementary foods from six months while continuing breastfeeding up to two years and beyond.
According to the Ministry, breastmilk is safe, readily available, affordable and hygienic, while providing infants with the first line of protection against many common childhood illnesses.
Increased breastfeeding, it noted, could also help families reduce the financial burden associated with infant formula and preventable diseases.
The Ministry said activities to commemorate the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week would take place nationwide, including a national commemoration 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.
Bako urged Nigerians to join the campaign by supporting mothers to breastfeed according to national recommendations, stressing that collective action to protect, promote and support breastfeeding is an investment in healthier children, stronger families and a more prosperous Nigeria.
