Lagos State recorded a significant milestone in child nutrition with its exclusive breastfeeding rate rising to 57.4 per cent, surpassing the global benchmark of 50 per cent.

The governor’s special adviser on health, Kemi Ogunyemi, disclosed this on Tuesday during a news conference in commemoration of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week.

Ms Ogunyemi, however, said the state government is working assiduously to address the 14 per cent low rate of early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.

According to her, this poses serious implications for neonatal health.

She attributed the low rate of early initiation to gaps in service delivery, misinformation, and the use of pre-lacteal feeds, such as glucose water and infant formula.

Ms Ogunyemi added that midwives and birth attendants are being trained to ensure proper initiation practices.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” Ms Ogunyemi emphasised the need to institutionalise long-term support for nursing mothers, especially working women.

“We are focused not just on promoting breastfeeding but ensuring that mothers have the social, institutional, and workplace support they need,” she said.

She called for consistent investments in maternal, infant, and young child nutrition.

According to her, the state has institutionalised a six-month maternity leave and a two-week paternity leave for the first two deliveries across all public institutions.

“This forward-thinking policy enables families to prioritise breastfeeding in those crucial first six months. We urge private employers to adopt this standard,” she said.

Ms Ogunyemi emphasised that health education and antenatal counselling have been intensified in public facilities to prepare mothers for optimal breastfeeding and childcare practices.

Additionally, Folashade Oludara, Director of Family Health and Nutrition at the State Ministry of Health, emphasised the need for increased public education to strengthen awareness and dispel misconceptions, urging the media to amplify evidence-based information.

“We want our women to be informed. Breastfeeding even has protective effects against breast cancer,” she added.

World Breastfeeding Week is an annual celebration from August 1 to 7 in more than 120 countries.

(NAN)