Women in Niger state have been encouraged to practice exclusive breastfeeding as only 15 percent of women in the state have adhered to the healthy practice.
Making this disclosure at the flag off of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week in Minna, the Chief of Kaduna Field Office, UNICEF, Dr. Gerida Birukila who was represented by Health Specialist, Dr. Ahmed Tsofo, said even though at national level the rate stood at 34 percent, Niger State’s ranking was more concerning
Accordingly, she said UNICEF had taken it upon itself to advocate to various governments, the need to ensure six months maternity leave as a policy to be approved and fully implemented.
Thus far, she said there were only 10 states, including Niger state, that have approved the six months maternity leave with full pay.
The UNICEF field officer believes, full implementation of the policy will improve indices for breastfeeding in Niger state
While flagging off the week, wife of the Niger state Governor, Hajia Fatima Bago encouraged lactating mothers to breastfeed their children exclusively within the first six months.
According to her breastfeeding, aside from being a form of family planning, helps prevent diseases from affecting infants.
Meanwhile, The team lead of the UNICEF U-Report, Aisha Ndagi, has presided over a sensitization campaign to various communities in Tunga ward, Minna
She said the essence of the visits is to ensure women adhere strictly to the six months exclusive breastfeeding, its benefits and importance.
In his remarks, Commissioner of Primary Health Care Dr. Ibrahim Dangana said all breastfeeding mothers in the state were benefitting from the six months maternity leave adding that it had been gazetted and already in practice.
Represented by the Permanent secretary Dr. Mohammed Gana, the Commissioner confirmed that, in Niger state the State Executive Council had given its approval for the six months paid maternity leave – for all lactating mothers for the first six months after delivery.
News Edited By Oni Kayode Philips