The Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding breastfeeding and maternal nutrition programmes, describing optimal infant feeding as a strategic investment in human capital capable of improving education outcomes, workforce productivity and long-term socio-economic development.

The commitment was made during the commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week 2026, observed from August 1 to 7 under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

Addressing journalists on Tuesday at the conference room of Kaduna State Ministry of Health in Kaduna, the Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmed, said exclusive breastfeeding remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions for reducing child mortality, combating malnutrition and improving cognitive development, while laying the foundation for a healthier and more productive population.

The commissioner said the state government would continue strengthening maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services across its 23 local government areas through sustained investments in Infant and Young Child Feeding programmes, Baby-Friendly health facilities, maternal nutrition services, community nutrition initiatives and continuous capacity building for healthcare workers.

She noted that children who receive adequate nutrition during their earliest years are more likely to perform better in school, become economically productive adults and contribute to Kaduna State’s development.

The government also urged families, employers, healthcare providers, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners and the media to create enabling environments that allow mothers to breastfeed successfully.

Mothers were encouraged to initiate breastfeeding within one hour after delivery, practise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continue breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding until two years of age or beyond, in line with national and international health recommendations.

Speaking at the event, Ex-wife Chinese described breastfeeding as one of the strongest foundations for child survival, growth and development, stressing that it extends beyond a health intervention to become a critical investment in human capital.

She said UNICEF and the Kaduna State Government were using this year’s campaign to reinforce the first 1,000 Days Initiative, which focuses on nutrition and child development from conception until a child reaches two years of age.

According to her, this year’s theme shifts attention from creating awareness to strengthening interventions that have already demonstrated measurable impact.

Ezeife commended Kaduna State for adopting six months of paid maternity leave for eligible women, describing the policy as a significant step towards enabling mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six months.

She also announced the launch of the First 1,000 Days Social and Behaviour Change initiative on nutrition, aimed at encouraging families, workplaces and communities to support breastfeeding beyond the health sector.

She praised the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission for establishing workplace crèche facilities and deploying caregivers to enable nursing mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work.

The UNICEF nutrition specialist reiterated three evidence-based practices critical to improving child survival: initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth, practising exclusive breastfeeding for six months without water or other foods, and continuing breastfeeding with complementary feeding until at least two years of age.

She emphasised that maternal nutrition before conception, during pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding directly influences child health outcomes, noting that UNICEF has partnered with the Kaduna State Government to train healthcare workers on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition to improve counselling and support for mothers.

Ezeife expressed optimism that Kaduna State would record improved breastfeeding indicators beyond those reported in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, adding that mothers delivering between August 1 and 7 would be monitored to assess early initiation of breastfeeding during the campaign.

She commended the administration of Governor Uba Sani for demonstrating sustained leadership in promoting maternal and child nutrition and called on communities, traditional institutions, religious leaders, local government authorities and healthcare workers to strengthen support systems for nursing mothers.

The event concluded with renewed commitments from government officials, development partners and stakeholders to expand breastfeeding-friendly policies and interventions as part of broader efforts to improve child nutrition, reduce malnutrition and build a healthier future workforce for Kaduna State.