World Breastfeeding Week 2026: CS-SUNN Kaduna Calls for Stronger Support Systems for Mothers

By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week 2026, observed from August 1 to 7, the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Kaduna State Chapter, has called for increased investment in proven interventions to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding for a healthier and more sustainable future.

In a statement signed by Celestina Ngare Ayim, the Coordinator of CS-SUNN Kaduna State Chapter, the organisation said this year’s theme, “Breastfeeding: For a Sustainable Start in Life — Strengthen What Works,” underscores the need to strengthen policies and practices that improve the health and well-being of mothers, children, families, and communities.

Ayim described breastfeeding as one of the most effective and cost-efficient interventions for ensuring child survival, growth, and development.

She said breast milk provides all the nutrients an infant needs during the first six months of life, strengthens the immune system, protects against common childhood illnesses, promotes healthy brain development, reduces the risk of malnutrition, and significantly lowers infant and child mortality.

According to her, breastfeeding also benefits mothers by reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, supporting postpartum recovery, and strengthening the bond between mother and child.

Despite these benefits, Ayim noted that many mothers in Kaduna State and across Nigeria continue to face barriers such as inadequate family and workplace support, misinformation, cultural misconceptions, and limited access to skilled breastfeeding counselling.

She said these challenges often prevent mothers from initiating breastfeeding early or exclusively breastfeeding their babies during the recommended first six months of life.

To address these challenges, CS-SUNN Kaduna called on government institutions, healthcare providers, employers, community leaders, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, fathers, caregivers, and families to strengthen support systems that enable every mother to breastfeed successfully.

The organisation urged stakeholders to:

Increase investment in maternal, infant, and young child nutrition programmes.

Promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond, alongside appropriate complementary feeding.

Implement family-friendly workplace policies, including adequate maternity protection and breastfeeding-friendly environments.

Strengthen community awareness campaigns to dispel myths and promote positive breastfeeding practices.

Provide continuous training for healthcare workers to deliver quality breastfeeding counselling and support.

Ayim also emphasised the critical role of the media in promoting accurate information and amplifying positive breastfeeding stories.

“The media has a critical role to play in helping communities understand the importance of giving every child the healthiest possible start in life,” she said.

She added that breastfeeding extends beyond nutrition and should be recognised as an investment in health, human capital, and sustainable development.

“As we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2026, CS-SUNN Kaduna State Chapter calls on every family, community, institution, and policymaker to strengthen what works by supporting breastfeeding as a shared responsibility. Together, we can improve child nutrition, reduce preventable deaths, build healthier families, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Kaduna State and Nigeria,” Ayim said.

She concluded: “Breastfeeding is more than food. It is an investment in health, human capital, and sustainable development. Let us all do our part to give every child the best start in life.”