Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged sustained investment and coordinated action to improve nutrition outcomes for women and children in the nation’s capital. Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), made the announcement during a news conference commemorating the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, observed from August 1 to August 7.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the briefing also highlighted the FCTA’s activities on the prevention and control of infectious diseases in the FCT. Dr. Fasawe addressed the nutrition situation in the FCT, noting that despite the territory’s urban advantages, significant nutrition challenges persist. She cited the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data, which revealed a stunting rate of 16 percent, a wasting rate of seven percent, an underweight prevalence of 13.7 percent, and an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 29.1 percent in the FCT.
Dr. Fasawe emphasized the critical need for sustained investment and coordinated action to improve nutrition outcomes for women and children. She highlighted the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, noting that breast milk serves as a child’s first vaccine, providing essential nutrients during the first six months of life and reducing the risk of various health issues.
Under the leadership of FCT Minister Mr. Nyesom Wike, the administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for breastfeeding mothers. The HSES is focusing on strengthening health facilities, implementing the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, and training health workers to provide skilled counseling and support. The administration is also promoting workplace support by encouraging six months of maternity leave and establishing breastfeeding-friendly facilities in workplaces.
Dr. Fasawe stated that the FCTA is actively engaging communities through Primary Health Care Centres, Ward Health Committees, and community influencers to promote breastfeeding and dispel myths. The administration is enforcing the Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes to ensure that mothers receive accurate information free from commercial influence.
Dr. Dan Gadzama, Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board (FPHCB), noted that the theme for the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, ‘Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,’ underscores the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by appropriate complementary feeding.
Dr. Jibrin Al-Kasim Musa, FCT State Coordinator for the World Health Organisation (WHO), highlighted the importance of collaboration among government agencies, development partners, communities, and the media in promoting positive health-seeking behavior. He urged journalists to educate the public on the benefits of breastfeeding and encouraged adherence to public health advisories.
Dr. Teresa Nwachukwu, Director of the FCT Public Health Department, remarked that the FCT Epidemiology Department is intensifying efforts to control the spread of diseases across the territory.