Yola: UNICEF, in collaboration with the Adamawa Government, has introduced a Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) Strategy for Child Nutrition, aligning with the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week celebrations. The initiative was launched by Mrs. Lami Fintiri, wife of the Adamawa governor, to serve as a guide for enhancing healthcare and nutrition practices throughout the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the 2026 theme for the World Breastfeeding Week is ‘Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.’ Mrs. Fintiri emphasized the simplicity, effectiveness, and affordability of exclusive breastfeeding as a means of providing essential nutrition to infants. She highlighted how breastfeeding protects infants from illnesses, aids maternal recovery after childbirth, and reduces postpartum bleeding.
Mrs. Fintiri reiterated the state government’s dedication to enhancing maternal, newborn, and child health through consistent investments in primary healthcare and nutrition programs. She praised UNICEF and other development partners for their contributions to healthcare delivery in Adamawa.
Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, emphasized the importance of breastfeeding as a vital investment in child health, survival, and development. She noted that the theme for the 2026 celebration underscores the need to reinforce existing progress and support systems aiding successful breastfeeding.
UNICEF encourages stakeholders, including family members and community leaders, to support and advocate for breastfeeding practices. Dr. Rafique urged stakeholders to help mothers initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery, practice exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continue breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods up to two years and beyond.
Dr. Sulaiman Bashir, Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, stated that the agency is actively promoting exclusive breastfeeding and dispelling related misconceptions. The agency has intensified public awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding for child survival and development.
A beneficiary of the program, Mrs. Augustina Sunday, shared that exclusive breastfeeding also lowers the risk of breast cancer and other childbirth-related complications for mothers. During the event, healthcare kits were distributed to breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women.
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods up to two years or beyond.