The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo has called on expectant and nursing mothers to adopt exclusive breastfeeding, describing it as a simple, affordable and effective way to improve child survival and development.
In a statement issued in Awka to mark the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, Dr. Soludo said “exclusive breastfeeding plays a vital role in ensuring healthy growth during the early stages of a child’s life by providing complete nutrition and strengthening immunity.”
She explained that “breastfeeding not only protects infants from infections and diseases but also promotes a strong emotional bond between mother and child.”
Dr. Soludo, who is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, stressed that the responsibility of improving infant nutrition should not rest on mothers alone.
She said “families, healthcare professionals, employers, communities and governments all have important roles in creating an environment that supports breastfeeding.”
She advised mothers to feed their babies exclusively with breast milk for the first six months after birth, in line with global health recommendations, noting that infants do not require water, herbal remedies or other foods during that period.
According to her, breast milk contains all the nutrients babies need in their first six months and significantly reduces the risk of childhood illnesses and deaths.
“Every child deserves the healthiest possible start in life, and one of the most powerful ways to make that happen is through quality breastfeeding. As we begin this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, I celebrate every mother who continues to make sacrifices to nurture and protect her baby,” she said.
Dr. Soludo noted that the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” highlights the need for governments, workplaces, healthcare institutions and communities to introduce policies and programmes that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully.
She reaffirmed ‘the commitment of the Anambra State Government to sustaining awareness campaigns and maternal and child health initiatives through the Healthy Living advocacy programme.”
“Through our Healthy Living advocacy and the many maternal and child health programmes of the state government, we will continue to champion awareness, education and support for mothers and families. We are building an Anambra where every mother is empowered to breastfeed with confidence and every child is given the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning,” she added.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7 to promote breastfeeding as a proven strategy for improving child survival, maternal health and sustainable development worldwide.
