Over 30,000 Nigerian mothers participated in World breastfeeding week – USAID

The United States Agency for International Development said over 30,000 mothers in Nigeria participated virtually in the World Breastfeeding Week.

The participation set a new record and drew attention to Nigeria’s low exclusive breastfeeding rates.

According to recent studies, only one in three Nigerian children are exclusively breastfed for their first six months of life, a statement from the U.S. embassy in Abuja on Wednesday revealed.

The World Breastfeeding Week was marked from August 1-7, 2024.

“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.

The U.S. government, in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and various development partners, underscored the importance of breastfeeding for both infant and maternal health.

This year’s theme highlighted the shared responsibility to support and promote breastfeeding practices.

The event, which featured mothers and children, top-level government officials, representatives from the donor community, health organisations, and USAID/Nigeria Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, Chioma Chukwuka, emphasised community involvement.

Akpotha shared a goodwill message and led a discussion with mothers about the critical benefits of breastfeeding.

USAID, alongside Helen Keller International and Chukwuka, has been dedicated to improving Nigeria’s breastfeeding rates since May 2024.

This partnership aimed to address child malnutrition through targeted interventions, leveraging the influence of Nigeria’s 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. noted.

World Breastfeeding Week 2024 reaffirmed a global commitment to breastfeeding as a cornerstone of child health and development.