By Fatima Saka
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) has called on Nigerians to strengthen support systems for breastfeeding mothers, describing the practice as critical to child survival, nutrition and national development.
In a statement issued on Tuesday ahead of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), scheduled for August 1 to 7, the ministry urged families, employers, healthcare providers and policymakers to create enabling environments that allow mothers to breastfeed successfully.
The ministry said the 2026 theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” underscores the need to consolidate proven strategies that improve breastfeeding practices while advancing nutrition, food security and poverty reduction.
It highlighted breastfeeding as the foundation of lifelong health, noting that it provides optimal nutrition for infants, boosts immunity, enhances brain development and improves child survival rates. According to the ministry, increased breastfeeding also reduces healthcare costs and contributes to human capital development and national productivity.
FMOHSW stressed that every mother deserves adequate support, adding that collective responsibility is required to ensure mothers receive care, encouragement and workplace-friendly policies.
Reiterating national guidelines, the ministry advised early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding up to two years or beyond.
“Breastmilk remains the ideal food for infants. It is safe, affordable, hygienic and protects against common childhood illnesses, while also reducing the financial burden associated with infant formula,” the statement said.
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The ministry announced that activities to mark the week will be held 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 and media advocacy campaigns across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It called on Nigerians to support breastfeeding mothers in line with national recommendations, describing collective action as an investment in healthier children, stronger families and a more prosperous nation.
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