Gift Habib No fewer than 30,000 mothers in Nigeria participated virtually in the World Breastfeeding Week, says the United States Agency for International Development. The participation set a new record and drew attention to Nigeria’s low exclusive breastfeeding rates. According to recent studies, only one in three Nigerian children are exclusively breastfed for their first six months of life, a statement from the U.
S. embassy in Abuja on Wednesday revealed. “In a coordinated effort, over 30,000 mothers across Nigeria joined the event virtually, setting a new world record for the most mothers breastfeeding simultaneously.
“This event raised awareness about Nigeria’s low exclusive breastfeeding rate. Only one in three children in Nigeria were exclusively breastfed for their first six months of life, according to a recent study,” the statement read in part. The U.
S. government, in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and various development partners, underscored the importance of breastfeeding for both infant and maternal health. This year’s theme highlighted the shared responsibility to support and promote breastfeeding practices.
The event, which featured mothers and children, top-level government officials, representatives from the donor community, health organisations, and USAID/Nigeria Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, Chioma Chukwuka, emphasised community involvement. Akpotha shared a goodwill message and led a discussion with mothers abo.