MAKURDI, Nigeria — Residents of Benue State participated in a road walk and public sensitisation campaign to promote exclusive breastfeeding, as health officials and stakeholders intensified efforts to educate mothers and families on the importance of optimal infant nutrition for healthier children and improved maternal wellbeing.
The awareness campaign, organised as part of activities to encourage exclusive breastfeeding, brought together healthcare professionals, government officials, community leaders, women groups and other stakeholders who marched through major streets while educating members of the public on recommended infant feeding practices. Participants carried banners and placards highlighting the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life.
Health experts at the event explained that exclusive breastfeeding provides infants with the essential nutrients required for healthy growth and development while helping to strengthen their immune systems against common childhood illnesses. They noted that breast milk contains antibodies and nutrients that cannot be fully replicated through artificial feeding, making it the most suitable source of nutrition for newborns during the early stages of life.
The organisers also used the campaign to educate mothers on the importance of initiating breastfeeding immediately after birth and continuing breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding after the first six months. They stressed that proper breastfeeding practices contribute significantly to reducing infant mortality, malnutrition and the risk of childhood infections.
Officials urged fathers, families, employers and communities to provide the necessary support for nursing mothers, emphasising that successful exclusive breastfeeding requires a supportive environment both at home and in workplaces. They called for greater awareness of maternity protection policies and family support systems that enable mothers to breastfeed their babies effectively.
Medical professionals participating in the exercise highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers, noting that it promotes faster recovery after childbirth, strengthens the bond between mother and child and may reduce the risk of certain health conditions. They encouraged pregnant women to seek antenatal counselling to better understand recommended breastfeeding practices before delivery.
Community leaders who joined the campaign described exclusive breastfeeding as an important public health intervention capable of improving child survival and reducing healthcare costs associated with preventable illnesses. They urged residents to disregard myths and misinformation surrounding breastfeeding and instead rely on guidance provided by qualified healthcare professionals.
The road walk formed part of broader efforts by health authorities and development partners to increase public awareness of maternal and child health issues through community engagement, advocacy and education. Organisers expressed optimism that continued sensitisation would encourage more mothers to adopt exclusive breastfeeding and contribute to healthier families across Benue State.
They reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining awareness campaigns, strengthening healthcare education and promoting policies that support breastfeeding mothers, stressing that improved child nutrition remains essential to achieving better health outcomes and long-term national development.
