World Breastfeeding Week 2024: NSN urges more support for mothers

As the World Breastfeeding Week 2024 is marked globally, the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) is advocating concerted efforts by all stakeholders to ensure that every mother receives the support she needs to breastfeed successfully. This includes access to accurate information, practical guidance, and a supportive environment in healthcare settings, workplaces, and communities.

The society also urged policymakers, employers, and community leaders to take actionable steps towards creating a breastfeeding-friendly society by implementing policies that protect maternity rights, providing breastfeeding facilities in public spaces and workplaces, and ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped to offer the necessary support to new mothers.

In a statement to commemorate the event, NSN said it is proud to join the global community in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week 2024, observed annually from August 1st to 7th.

“This year’s theme, ‘Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,’  underscores the urgent need to provide comprehensive and equitable breastfeeding support to every mother and child, regardless of their circumstances.

“Breastfeeding is widely recognized as one of the most effective ways to ensure the health and survival of infants. It provides essential nutrients, strengthens the immune system, and fosters a unique bond between mother and child. Despite its proven benefits, many mothers face significant challenges in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding, often due to a lack of support, misinformation, and social or economic barriers.

“NSN recognizes the commitment of the government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders towards improving breastfeeding practices especially the increase achieved in exclusive breastfeeding rate up to 34%, this is far short of the 2025 target of 50% as contained in the National Policy on Food and Nutrition and WHO global target.

“NSN has been in the forefront of advocating for 6 months paid maternity leave for working mothers and establishment of workplace breastfeeding policies in public service in all states of the federation and increasing access to education and appropriate information to mothers especially in rural areas. Government needs to redouble its efforts if the global target of at least 50% EBF rate must be achieved, the statement read.

The Society described breastfeeding as widely recognized and one of the most effective ways to ensure the health and survival of infants.

“It provides essential nutrients, strengthens the immune system, and fosters a unique bond between mother and child.

“Despite its proven benefits, many mothers face significant challenges in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding, often due to a lack of support, misinformation, and social or economic barriers,” it noted.

The Nutrition Society of Nigeria is a leading professional organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the science and practice of nutrition for the well-being of all Nigerians.