The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged employers, healthcare workers, families and communities to create an enabling environment for mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies, saying stronger support is key to improving child survival and development in Southwest Nigeria.

Speaking to commemorate this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, the Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office in Lagos, Celine Lafoucriere, said that while breastfeeding remains common among Nigerian mothers, adherence to recommended practices is still low.

According to her, only one in three babies in Nigeria is breastfed within the first hour of birth, while only three in 10 infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, despite the well-documented health benefits of breast milk.

Describing breast milk as “the first vaccine every baby receives,” Lafoucriere said it protects children from illness, promotes healthy brain development and provides the best possible start in life at no cost.

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She noted that Southwest Nigeria, with its expanding healthcare facilities and growing urban population, has the capacity to significantly improve breastfeeding outcomes if mothers receive adequate support at home, in health facilities and in the workplace.

“A mother cannot do this alone. She needs a workplace that gives her time and space to breastfeed. She needs a health worker who tells her the truth about formula marketing. She needs her own mother, her husband, her mother-in-law, her pastor and her imam standing behind her, not questioning her,” she said.

Lafoucriere called on employers to introduce breastfeeding-friendly policies, including flexible breaks and private spaces for nursing mothers.

She also urged healthcare workers to ensure that every newborn is put to the breast within the first hour after birth and encouraged families to actively support mothers throughout the breastfeeding journey.

She paid tribute to mothers who continue to breastfeed despite the challenges of balancing work, family responsibilities and childcare.

“To every mother in Lagos feeding her child right now, alone in the quiet hours of the night, we see you. You are giving your child your first and best gift,” she said.

Lafoucriere reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working with governments and partners to promote optimal breastfeeding practices, improve maternal and child nutrition, and give every child the healthiest possible start in life.

World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7 to raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and mobilise action to improve maternal and child health worldwide.