From: Femi Mustapha in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has urged families, employers, communities and institutions to play a greater role in supporting nursing mothers, as part of activities to mark World Breastfeeding Week 2026.
The appeal was made on Tuesday in Kaduna during a press briefing by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma K. Ahmed.
The briefing, held under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” brought together commissioners, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, healthcare professionals, and members of the press.
Dr. Balarabe described breastfeeding as one of the most effective and affordable interventions to ensure child survival, improve nutrition, and secure a healthier future for children in the state.
“Breastfeeding is not only the first and best food for every child, but it is also a foundation for lifelong health,” she said.
“Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months provides all the nutrients a baby needs, protects against common childhood illnesses, strengthens the immune system, promotes optimal brain development, and significantly reduces the risk of malnutrition.”
She added that continuing to breastfeed alongside appropriate complementary foods until age 2 and beyond further supports a child’s growth and development.
The Deputy Governor said Kaduna State views investment in breastfeeding as investment in human capital.
“Healthy and well-nourished children are more likely to thrive in school, become productive adults, and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of our state,” she stated.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition services across all 23 local government areas.
This, she noted, will include support for Infant and Young Child Feeding programs, Baby-Friendly health facilities, maternal nutrition, community nutrition services, and the training of healthcare workers to provide quality breastfeeding counseling.
However, Dr. Balarabe stressed that government efforts alone will not be enough to achieve optimal breastfeeding rates.
“We call on fathers, families, employers, healthcare providers, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and the media to work together in creating an environment where every mother is empowered and supported to breastfeed successfully,” she said.
She specifically urged employers to create breastfeeding-friendly workplaces and families to provide the needed support at home so mothers do not have to choose between work and optimal childcare.
The Deputy Governor also encouraged mothers to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, and continue with complementary feeding until two years of age or beyond, in line with national and global guidelines.
She expressed appreciation to development partners, healthcare workers, and community volunteers for their efforts to improve maternal and child nutrition in Kaduna State.
“As we observe World Breastfeeding Week 2026, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to strengthening what works and to ensuring that every child born in Kaduna State has the healthiest and most sustainable start in life,” she concluded.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7 to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding as a key strategy for child survival and sustainable development.