The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a call for comprehensive policies to promote breastfeeding across all levels of government in Nigeria.
The organization emphasizes the importance of policies that encompass aspects such as extended maternity leave, paternity leave, flexible work options, lactation breaks, and suitable facilities that enable exclusive breastfeeding for six months.
UNICEF underscores the profound impact of infant nutrition on national development and emphasizes that these initiatives are vital to fostering healthy growth.
Dr. Tushar Rena, Chief of the Field Office for UNICEF in Bauchi State, conveyed these recommendations during a media discussion held in Azare, Bauchi State, as part of World Breastfeeding Week.
Dr. Rena highlighted the significance of providing mothers and caregivers, particularly those in the informal sector or on temporary contracts, with necessary support to facilitate convenient breastfeeding.
Addressing the challenges faced by working parents, Rena emphasized that adequate paid leave enables parents to meet their young children’s essential nutritional requirements.
He stressed the foundational role of optimal infant feeding in human capital development and the potential risks associated with poor Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices, which can impact child survival and socio-economic progress.
Dr. Rena drew attention to the fact that workplace obstacles often lead to the premature cessation of breastfeeding, underscoring the importance of providing working mothers with sufficient time and support.
He pointed out that babies who are not breastfed have a significantly higher risk of mortality before their first birthday compared to exclusively breastfed infants.
Dr. Rena urged journalists to continue raising awareness about the critical connection between infant nutrition and national development, emphasizing the need for sustained attention to this vital issue.