UNICEF, BSUTH Advocate Exclusive Breastfeeding For Mothers

By Amos Aar 

Benue State University Teaching Hospital collaborating with the State Primary Health Care Board and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has flagged off the 2025 World Breastfeeding week in Makurdi. The Chief Medical Director of Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Stephen Hwande, counseled mothers on the need to embrace exclusive breastfeeding and explained that the benefits far outweigh concerns over changes in body appearance. 

He said “don’t shy away from exclusive breastfeeding, because your breasts will fall. It will save you money, as you won't have to hospitalize your children often."

The Chief of UNICEF Field Office Enugu, Juliet Chiluwe, emphasized the importance of sustainable breastfeeding as a system that prioritizes the wellbeing of mothers and infants, saying "breastfeeding is not just food. It is newborns first vaccine, first hug, and the first promise of survival." Chiluwe noted that while over 90% of Nigerian mothers initiate breastfeeding, only 47% in Benue State breastfeed within the first hour of life, and just 56.7% exclusively breastfeed for six months. She disclosed that the practice "falls below the national goal of 65% and the global target of 60%."

The UNICEF representative Chief stressed that the problem was not mothers unwillingness to breastfeed, but lack of enabling support systems. She said "we cannot counsel a mother to breastfeed and then give her no support, no time, no space, and expect miracles." Chiluwe called for hands-on training of frontline health workers, investment in community health workers, enforcement of maternity protection policies including six-months paid maternity leave and the creation of lactation spaces in workplaces to achieve the target.

The Executive Secretary, State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ashi Wende who expressed gratitude to breastfeeding mothers and partners underscored this year's theme “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Creating Sustainable Support Systems.” 

She reiterated that breast milk alone is sufficient in the first six months of life, requiring no additional water. Wende rolled out benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers, including improved immunity, cognitive development, lower disease risk, uterine recovery, weight loss and cost-effectiveness and summarized "despite the difficulties, breastfeeding remains a vital component of infant and young child feeding.”

She

The disclosed further that the board plans to conduct a week-long campaign including counseling, education, and sensitization, particularly targeting the private sector to establish breastfeeding corners, crèches, and implement six months’ annual leave for breastfeeding mothers. 

The President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Benue State chapter, Dr. Patience Okpeh lent her voice to the advocacy. She said "what exclusive breastfeeding can give, artificial breastfeeding can't.” She stressed its benefits in raising healthier and more intelligent children.

The Head of Pediatrics at the teaching hospital, Prof. Edwin Esiegbe encouraged mothers to prioritize breastfeeding for the health and development of their children.

Breastfeeding women at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) International Market camp sang and danced in celebration of the advocacy.