By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
As the world observes the 2025World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7), stakeholders in Bauchi State are being urged to take decisive steps in promoting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) as a vital strategy for improving child health and development.
In Bauchi State, only 26% of infants are exclusively breastfed during their first six months of life, while over 88% miss out on early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, according to the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS).
Experts say these early moments are critical for building immunity, ensuring nutrition, and strengthening maternal bonds.
This year’s WBW theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” emphasizes the need for structured support—at home, in workplaces, healthcare centers, and communities—to help mothers breastfeed successfully.
Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF Chief of the Bauchi Field Office (BFO), at a press briefing to mark 2025 WBW, highlighted exclusive breastfeeding as crucial for child survival, brain development, and long-term health. She advocated for a six-month paid maternity leave policy for working mothers in Bauchi, aligning with federal recommendations.
“This would significantly improve child development outcomes by allowing mothers the time to breastfeed and bond,” Dr. Rafique said.
According to Dr. Rafique, UNICEF has introduced the 1-6-24 breastfeeding model, encouraging:
Initiation within the first hour after birth, Exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and Complementary feeding up to 24 months, alongside continued breastfeeding.
The BFO Chief also called on the State Assembly to accelerate the passage of the bill extending maternity leave to six months and urged communities, employers, and the media to rally behind the cause.
“Let us make 2025 the year Bauchi turns the tide on breastfeeding. It’s every child’s right and every mother’s reality. UNICEF remains committed to supporting this vision,” Dr. Rafique concluded.
Philomena Irene, UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, noted that breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, including crèches and private nursing spaces, are essential for long-term success.
She said UNICEF and the Bauchi State Government are also collaborating on the Warm Chain Campaign, connecting families, health workers, and employers to support breastfeeding throughout a child’s critical first 1,000 days.