Stories from Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on private sector employers in Nigeria to implement six-month paid maternity leave policies to support exclusive breastfeeding and improve child health outcomes.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Dr. Gerida Birukila, appealed during an event themed “Youths Lead the Circle of Support for Breastfeeding” as part of World Breastfeeding Week activities held in Kaduna.
Birukila emphasized that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months not only reduces infant mortality but also enhances cognitive development and strengthens the immune system.
She noted that breast milk provides all the essential nutrients a baby needs in the early stages of life.
She added maternal nutrition, also plays a vital role in infant development, urging pregnant women to eat healthily, take supplements, and attend antenatal care consistently.
Birukila commended the Kaduna State Government for leading by example through its six-month paid maternity leave policy and the establishment of crèches within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), creating a more supportive environment for nursing mothers.
The state’s Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Ramatu Haruna, echoed UNICEF’s position and encouraged private employers to follow Kaduna’s lead by offering crèches, flexible work schedules, and other family-friendly policies.
She stressed that the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding go beyond health, improving long-term productivity and reducing healthcare costs for families and society.
“By supporting breastfeeding, the private sector can contribute significantly to national health goals and the well-being of future generations”, she stated.
