By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

The Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Kaduna State Chapter, has called on governments, employers, healthcare providers, community leaders, families, and the media to strengthen support for breastfeeding as the world marks World Breastfeeding Week 2026.

In a press statement issued to commemorate the annual event, observed from August 1 to 7, the organisation said this year’s theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” highlights the need to invest in proven interventions that improve the health and well-being of mothers and children.

Signed by the Chairperson of CS-SUNN Kaduna State Chapter, Celestina Ngare Ayim, the statement described breastfeeding as one of the most effective and cost-efficient interventions for ensuring child survival, healthy growth, and development.

According to the organisation, breast milk provides all the nutrients an infant requires during the first six months of life, strengthens the immune system, protects children against common illnesses, promotes healthy brain development, reduces the risk of malnutrition, and contributes significantly to lowering infant and child mortality.

CS-SUNN also highlighted the health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers, noting that it supports postpartum recovery, reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and strengthens the bond between mother and child.

The organisation, however, expressed concern that many mothers continue to face barriers to successful breastfeeding, including inadequate family and workplace support, misinformation, cultural misconceptions, and limited access to skilled breastfeeding counselling.

It noted that these challenges often prevent mothers from initiating breastfeeding early and exclusively breastfeeding their babies for the recommended first six months of life.

To address these challenges, CS-SUNN called for increased investment in maternal, infant, and young child nutrition programmes, greater support for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months and continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond alongside appropriate complementary feeding.

The organisation also advocated family-friendly workplace policies that provide adequate maternity protection and breastfeeding-friendly environments, stronger community awareness campaigns to dispel myths surrounding breastfeeding, and continuous training for healthcare workers to improve breastfeeding counselling and support services.

CS-SUNN further urged the media to intensify public education by promoting accurate information on breastfeeding, amplifying positive stories, and helping communities understand the importance of giving every child the healthiest possible start in life.

The organisation stressed that breastfeeding is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment of families, communities, institutions, policymakers, and development partners.

“As we mark World Breastfeeding Week 2026, we urge every family, community, institution, and policymaker to strengthen what works by supporting breastfeeding as a shared responsibility. Together, we can improve child nutrition, reduce preventable deaths, build healthier families, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Kaduna State and Nigeria,” the statement said.

CS-SUNN described breastfeeding as more than a source of food, saying it is an investment in health, human capital, and sustainable development that gives every child the best possible start in life.