The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has urged Nigerians to play a more active role in supporting breastfeeding mothers, stressing that collective efforts are essential to raising healthier children and building a more productive society.

The ministry made the appeal ahead of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week celebration, calling on families, employers, healthcare professionals, communities and policymakers to create supportive environments that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully.

The call was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the ministry’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Ado Bako.

According to Bako, this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, scheduled to hold globally from August 1 to August 7, will be observed under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

He explained that the theme highlights the importance of consolidating successful breastfeeding initiatives while assessing progress made in improving nutrition, enhancing food security and reducing poverty.

Bako described breastfeeding as one of the most effective investments in child health and development, noting that it provides infants with the ideal nutrition needed for healthy growth while strengthening their immune systems against diseases.

He said breastfeeding goes beyond nutrition, contributing significantly to brain development, child survival and the overall development of human capital needed for national advancement.

“Breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong health. It supports healthy brain development, improves child survival and contributes significantly to human capital development and national productivity,” he stated.

The ministry further noted that protecting and promoting breastfeeding offers wider social and economic benefits, including lower healthcare costs, improved food security and greater social equity.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to maternal and child health, Bako stressed that every mother deserves adequate support to breastfeed successfully.

He said families, healthcare providers, employers and communities all have vital roles to play in providing care, encouragement and workplace-friendly policies that make breastfeeding easier for nursing mothers.

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The ministry also reiterated its recommendations on optimal infant feeding practices, urging mothers to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of delivery and maintain exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life.

It further advised the introduction of appropriate complementary foods from six months while continuing breastfeeding until two years of age or beyond.

According to the ministry, breastmilk remains the safest and most beneficial source of nutrition for infants because it is naturally available, hygienic, affordable and rich in nutrients essential for healthy growth.

Bako added that breastmilk serves as a child’s first defence against many common childhood illnesses and helps families avoid the financial strain associated with infant formula and preventable health conditions.

As part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, the ministry disclosed that events would be held across the country, including a national commemoration on August 3 and a media conference to be addressed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

Community outreach programmes and other awareness campaigns are also expected to form part of the nationwide celebration.

The ministry called on all Nigerians to embrace and support breastfeeding in line with national health guidelines, describing it as a critical investment in the future of the country.

“Collective action to protect, promote and support breastfeeding is an investment in healthier children, stronger families and a more prosperous Nigeria,” Bako said.