The United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF, says research by the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, NDHS, shows that rates in early initiation of breastfeeding have declined from forty two percent in 2018 to thirty six percent in 2023.
In a presentation during a media dialogue on dissemination of key advocacy messages on 2025 World Breastfeeding Week organized by UNICEF, Enugu Field Office in collaboration with the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, BCA Umuahia, the Communication Specialist, UNICEF, Enugu Field Office, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe said that exclusive breastfeeding rates have remained stagnant at twenty nine percent in 2018 and in 2023 according to NDHS.
She said ideally, breastfeeding should be done for twenty four months as recommended by UNICEF and World Health Organization.
Earlier, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF, Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe said that it is time breastfeeding was recognized as a powerful foundation for lifelong health, development but that can be challenging when parents are not fully supported.
