Lagos Surpasses Global Breastfeeding Target, Battles Low Early Nursing Rate

Lagos State has surpassed the global benchmark for exclusive breastfeeding, with 57.4% of nursing mothers practicing it, according to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi. This achievement reflects sustained investments in maternal and child nutrition programs.

Despite this success, a significant challenge remains: improving the rate of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. Currently, only 14% of newborns in Lagos receive this critical early nutrition. Health experts emphasize this practice as vital for child survival.

Ogunyemi highlighted the theme "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," underscoring breastfeeding as a cost-effective public health intervention. She explained its benefits for reducing infant illnesses and deaths, promoting optimal nutrition, and supporting healthy development up to two years of age.

The state is working to create supportive environments for mothers through training healthcare workers, providing counseling, and enforcing the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. All primary and secondary health facilities, along with the tertiary health facility, now implement the Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) strategy.

However, misconceptions about colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk, contribute to the low rate of early initiation. Dr. Ogunyemi stressed the need for continued efforts from families, employers, and community leaders to ensure mothers receive adequate support for successful breastfeeding.

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The importance of breastfeeding as a child survival strategy, especially in the first six months of life, cannot be over-emphasised. Breast milk is free, nutrient-dense, readily available and promotes healthier children while strengthening the bond between mother and child.