Bauchi State Government has renewed its call on nursing mothers to practise six months of exclusive breastfeeding, describing it as one of the most effective ways to protect children from malnutrition, infections and preventable infant deaths.
The Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed made the call during a press briefing to commemorate the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week in Bauchi.
The call is coming as the world marks the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.
Health experts say the first six months of a child’s life are critical for survival, growth and healthy development.
However, misconceptions and cultural beliefs continue to discourage some mothers from practising exclusive breastfeeding.
Addressing journalists, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, urged mothers to disregard the misconception that breastfeeding causes breast sagging.
He stressed that breast milk alone provides all the nutrients and fluids an infant needs during the first six months of life.
Dr. Mohammed explained that exclusive breastfeeding strengthens a baby’s immune system, reduces the risk of childhood illnesses, promotes healthy brain development and also offers important health benefits to mothers.
Also speaking, the UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, described exclusive breastfeeding as a proven, life-saving intervention capable of significantly reducing infant mortality.
She called on mothers, families, community leaders and healthcare workers to support breastfeeding mothers, emphasizing that creating an enabling environment is essential for every child to have a healthy start in life.
Stakeholders say improving child nutrition and reducing preventable childhood deaths require stronger collaboration among government, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, healthcare workers and families to promote exclusive breastfeeding across communities.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
