The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that a remarkable 30,000 Nigerian mothers joined in the virtual celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, shattering previous records.
This significant participation highlighted the pressing concern of Nigeria’s suboptimal exclusive breastfeeding rates, with recent studies indicating that only a third of Nigerian infants receive exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, as disclosed by the U.S. embassy in Abuja.
“In a coordinated effort, over 30,000 mothers across Nigeria joined the event virtually, setting a new world record for the most mothers breastfeeding simultaneously.
“This event raised awareness about Nigeria’s low exclusive breastfeeding rate. Only one in three children in Nigeria were exclusively breastfed for their first six months of life, according to a recent study,” the statement read in part.
In a collaborative effort, the U.S. government, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health, and various development partners emphasized the significance of breastfeeding for both infant and maternal health.
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme stressed the collective responsibility to promote and support breastfeeding practices.
The event featured a diverse range of participants, including mothers, children, government officials, donor representatives, health organizations, and USAID/Nigeria Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, Chioma Chukwuka.
Chukwuka delivered a goodwill message and engaged in a discussion with mothers about the vital benefits of breastfeeding.
Since May 2024, USAID has partnered with Helen Keller International and Chukwuka to improve Nigeria’s breastfeeding rates, addressing child malnutrition through targeted interventions and leveraging the creative sector to enhance nutritional awareness and practices.
“USAID is committed to supporting breastfeeding initiatives in Nigeria, which help improve maternal and child health globally.
“By partnering with advocates like Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, USAID and implementing partner Helen Keller International are leveraging Nigeria’s creative sector to improve the country’s nutritional landscape.
“Since May 2024, the collaboration between USAID, Helen Keller International, and Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha has advanced Nigeria’s nutrition strategy. Our partnership aims to improve breastfeeding rates and reduce child malnutrition through targeted interventions,” the U.S. asserted.
The 2024 World Breastfeeding Week reinforced the international pledge to prioritize breastfeeding as a fundamental element of children’s health and overall development.
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