Begin Breastfeeding Within One Hour of Birth, UNICEF Urges Borno Mothers
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on pregnant women in Borno State to begin breastfeeding their newborns within the first hour after delivery, as part of efforts to improve infant survival and development.
Speaking at the official flag-off of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week in Maiduguri on Saturday, the Chief of UNICEF’s Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Busiku, revealed alarming statistics, noting that only 35.5 per cent of children in Nigeria are breastfed within the first hour of life, and just 28.8 per cent are exclusively breastfed.
“This year’s theme, ‘Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support System’, underscores the urgent need to build systems and structures that ensure all mothers — especially those in rural and conflict-affected areas — have equitable access to breastfeeding support,” Busiku stated.
He stressed that every child in Borno deserves early initiation to breastmilk, followed by six months of exclusive breastfeeding, and continued nursing for up to two years and beyond.
Busiku also cautioned against the growing use of infant formula and unsafe water, highlighting the associated health risks.
“The use of breastmilk substitutes and unsafe water in our communities can pose serious threats to infant health. That is why the state must take steps to enact, monitor, and enforce the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes,” he said.
According to him, breastmilk alone provides all the essential nutrients an infant requires during the first six months and offers vital protection against diseases while supporting healthy growth and cognitive development.
He called on the Borno State Government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen maternal protection policies, scale up funding, revitalise baby-friendly health initiatives, and prioritise nutrition programmes at the grassroots level.
“With strategic partnerships, innovation, and sustained commitment, we can transform breastfeeding practices across Borno. UNICEF remains committed to supporting the government and partners in achieving this shared goal,” Busiku added.
