Thursday, July 16, 2026

UNICEF expert says breastfeeding reduces cancer, hypertension risk

“There is evidence today that every N1,000 invested in supporting optimal breastfeeding can generate an estimated N35,000 in economic returns for Nigeria,” said the UN expert.

• August 19, 2022
Breastfeeding mother
A breastfeeding mother used to illustrate the story [Photo credit: The Sun Nigeria]

A nutrition manager with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Kano, Elhaji Diop, says breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Mr Diop disclosed this at the ‘Stronger with Breast Milk Only’ launch as part of the celebration of 2022 World Breastfeeding Week held in the Mashi local government area of Katsina.

According to him, it also decreases the risk of ovarian cancer, postpartum depression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and type-2 diabetes mellitus. 

He stressed that infants breastfed had a decreased risk of atopic dermatitis and gastroenteritis and possessed a higher IQ later in life. 

“Despite the compelling evidence that breastfeeding contributes substantially to improve child survival and development, key messages have not reached communities,” said Mr Diop. “And the overall nutritional status of children in Katsina state has only slightly improved over the last decade.”

He added that breastfeeding benefitted the state by helping lower health care costs, increase educational attainment and ultimately boost productivity. 

“There is evidence today that every N1,000 invested in supporting optimal breastfeeding can generate an estimated N35,000 in economic returns for Nigeria,” Mr Diop pointed out. “There is no doubt that breastfeeding is essential to the attainment of the SDGs in the country, and the Nigerian children hold the great future of this country.”

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Courtroom

States

Complainant to perform 30-minute community service for wearing ripped jeans to court

The Prosecutor, Inspector Elisha Tellang, alleged that Lawal stole Elijah’s itel phone valued at N120,000.

Governor Peter Mbah

States

Enugu suspends three monarchs, four others for alleged security breaches 

The commissioner explained that the alleged conduct was contrary to Governor Peter Mbah’s zero-tolerance policy on insecurity in Enugu State.

LASTMA

Lagos

LASTMA rescued 200 victims across 500 road crashes in three months: General Manager 

Mr Bakare-Oki further advised residents to postpone non-essential trips during periods of heavy rainfall and flash floods to ensure their safety.

Wizkid

Showbiz

Wizkid, DJ Mustard, Tyla, others to perform at BlastFest July 18

The ‘Piece of My Heart’ crooner added that he would also perform at Trillville, also known as Tribeville Festival Deluxe in Minneapolis on July 24.

Courtroom

Abuja

Abuja man ordered to sweep court premises for one day over phone theft

The police said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 288 of the Penal Code Law.