USAID/Nigeria Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha has led the campaign for the 2024 Breastfeeding Week, from August 1 to 7, to create awareness for the health benefits of breastfeeding.
The U.S. government, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and development partners, recognise World Breastfeeding Week from August 1-7. This campaign emphasises the critical importance of breastfeeding for both infant and maternal health, underscoring the collective responsibility to protect, promote and support this essential practice.
The launch event featured an array of guests, including mothers with their children, senior government officials, representatives from the donor community, health development and welfare organisations and Akpotha.
Akpotha delivered a goodwill message and led a discussion with mothers on the importance of breastfeeding. In a coordinated effort, over 30,000 mothers across Nigeria participated virtually, setting a new world record for the most mothers breastfeeding simultaneously. This event highlighted the issue of Nigeria’s low exclusive breastfeeding rate, with only one in three children being exclusively breastfed for their first six months of life, according to a recent study.
A statement by Aishah Gambari, a press and media specialist with the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Abuja, said the USAID is dedicated to supporting breastfeeding initiatives in Nigeria, which are crucial for improving maternal and child health globally. By partnering with advocates like Akpotha, USAID and implementing partner Helen Keller International are leveraging Nigeria’s creative sector to enhance the country’s nutritional landscape.
Since May 2024, the collaboration between USAID, Helen Keller International and Akpotha has advanced Nigeria’s nutrition strategy. This partnership aims to improve breastfeeding rates and reduce child malnutrition through targeted interventions.
World Breastfeeding Week reaffirms the commitment to breastfeeding as a fundamental pillar of child health and development.
