Each year, World Breastfeeding Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges that remain in advancing breastfeeding practices across Nigeria. According to the World Health Organization’s 2024 report, the exclusive breastfeeding rate in Nigeria currently stands at 34%, significantly below the global target of at least 50% by 2025. This statistic highlights the urgent need for sustained interventions, stronger policies, and community-led programmes that provide both practical guidance and emotional support for mothers as they navigate their breastfeeding journey.
In recognition of this, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa hosted a Breastfeeding Awareness Webinar on the 20th of August 2025 under the theme “Strengthening Breastfeeding Support Systems: A Lifeline for Mothers and Newborns.” The event convened government representatives, religious leaders, and community support structures in a unified space to exchange knowledge and strategies designed to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
The conversation reflected the power of a multisectoral approach. From the health policy perspective, Dr. Adekitan Adetoke, Deputy Director of the Lagos Primary Health Care Board, shared insights on how institutional policies and primary health care systems can provide stronger frameworks for protecting and encouraging breastfeeding. Community voices were also strongly represented through the contributions of Mr. Musa Aliyu, Convener of the Gambari Ojagboro Community Peace Advocate, who spoke on the role of community-led advocacy and peer support in creating enabling environments for mothers. Adding a faith-based dimension, Imam (Dr) Ibrahim Abubakar Eleke Kuntu, Founder and Convener of As-shurah Family Welfare, highlighted how religious institutions can use their moral authority and influence to reinforce positive breastfeeding practices within families and communities. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s own Digital Midwife, Mrs. Eunice Akhigbe, underscored the role of digital platforms in extending counselling, guidance, and emotional reassurance to new mothers, demonstrating how innovative approaches can complement traditional support structures.
The session not only amplified diverse perspectives but also provided a rich platform for cross-learning. Discussions underscored that breastfeeding is more than a maternal choice—it is a public health priority, one that requires collective action from policymakers, faith leaders, health professionals, and community actors. By aligning these voices, the webinar emphasized the need to build a robust ecosystem of support that sustains mothers from pregnancy through the critical early months of their child’s life.
As Nigeria strives to close the gap between current breastfeeding rates and global targets, initiatives like this webinar reaffirm the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s commitment to advocating for evidence-based solutions while empowering communities with the knowledge and resources they need. The theme of the event, “Strengthening Breastfeeding Support Systems: A Lifeline for Mothers and Newborns,” remains a powerful call to action, reminding us that every mother deserves the support necessary to give her child the best start in life, and that together, we can build a healthier future for families across the nation.