The Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving child survival and maternal health through policies and programmes that promote exclusive breastfeeding as it joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.

The Executive Chairman (EC) and Chief Executive Officer of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board (BSPHCDB), while briefing journalists on Monday at the Polio Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Bauchi, said the state has continued to implement measures aimed at increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates among infants.

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from August 1 to 7, is themed “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

The campaign seeks to raise awareness, evaluate progress, track achievements and expand proven interventions that improve exclusive breastfeeding practices globally.

The EC highlighted several government interventions designed to encourage breastfeeding within the first six months of a child’s life.

According to the Chairman, the Bauchi State Government has approved six months of paid maternity leave for female civil servants, enabling nursing mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies during the critical first six months after birth.

He also disclosed that healthcare workers across the state have been trained on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) to strengthen their capacity to counsel and support mothers on early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery and sustaining exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

The EC further stated that awareness campaigns are currently underway at health facilities and communities across the state as part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.

It added that public enlightenment and community sensitisation programmes are being intensified to encourage breastfeeding and promote breastfeeding-friendly environments in homes, workplaces and public spaces.

As part of the week’s activities, the state government has concluded plans for the official flag-off of the celebration, which will be performed by the First Lady of Bauchi State on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

The EC urged mothers, families, community leaders and other stakeholders to support exclusive breastfeeding, describing it as one of the most effective and cost-efficient interventions for reducing infant mortality, preventing malnutrition and ensuring healthy child development.

Also speaking at the event, breastfeeding advocate Philomena Arin declared that “every day is breastfeeding week,” underscoring the need for sustained advocacy beyond annual celebrations.

She highlighted ongoing community sensitisation in religious and traditional settings, alongside specialised training for healthcare workers in all 20 local government areas on early breastfeeding initiation and proper attachment techniques.

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