MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on fathers, families and community leaders to provide stronger support for breastfeeding mothers, saying their involvement is vital to improving child health, nutrition and overall family wellbeing.
The appeal was made during activities marking World Breastfeeding Week in Borno State, where UNICEF stressed that breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways to give children a healthy start in life. The organisation said fathers have an important role to play in ensuring mothers receive the emotional, physical and financial support needed to successfully breastfeed their babies.
According to UNICEF, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life provides all the nutrients an infant requires while protecting babies from life-threatening illnesses such as diarrhoea, pneumonia and other infections. The agency added that breastfeeding should continue alongside appropriate complementary feeding up to two years of age or beyond to support healthy growth and development.
UNICEF explained that breastfeeding benefits not only babies but also mothers. It noted that women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers while also recovering more quickly after childbirth. The agency said these health benefits become easier to achieve when mothers receive adequate support from their partners and families.
The organisation urged fathers to become active participants in childcare by helping with household responsibilities, ensuring mothers eat nutritious meals, providing emotional encouragement and creating a stress-free environment that allows breastfeeding to continue successfully. UNICEF said men should recognise that supporting breastfeeding is a shared family responsibility rather than leaving the burden entirely on mothers.
Health experts at the event observed that many mothers stop exclusive breastfeeding earlier than recommended because of workplace pressures, cultural beliefs, misinformation and inadequate family support. They stressed that improving awareness and encouraging fathers to participate more actively could significantly increase breastfeeding rates across Nigeria.
UNICEF also appealed to employers to establish breastfeeding-friendly workplaces by providing maternity protection, nursing breaks and suitable facilities for breastfeeding mothers returning to work. According to the agency, such policies would improve child health while helping mothers balance their careers and family responsibilities.
The organisation further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, healthcare workers and civil society groups to continue educating communities about the importance of breastfeeding and to challenge myths that discourage mothers from following recommended feeding practices. It said community involvement remains essential in improving maternal and child health outcomes.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Federal Government, state governments and development partners to strengthen nutrition programmes and maternal healthcare services across the country. The agency said increasing public awareness and expanding access to quality healthcare would contribute to healthier children and stronger communities.
Medical professionals also highlighted the economic benefits of breastfeeding, noting that healthier children require fewer hospital visits and medical treatments. They added that breastfeeding contributes to better cognitive development, improved educational outcomes and increased productivity later in life, making it an important investment in national development.
UNICEF concluded by urging fathers and all stakeholders to stand behind breastfeeding mothers and ensure every child receives the best possible start in life. The agency said stronger family support, improved public policies and sustained awareness campaigns would help increase exclusive breastfeeding rates, reduce child mortality and promote healthier families across Nigeria.
