The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on fathers, families, community leaders and other stakeholders in Borno State to provide greater support for breastfeeding mothers, stressing that exclusive breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways to safeguard children’s health and development.
The appeal was made on Monday by UNICEF’s Nutrition Manager in Borno State, Joseph Senesie, during the commemoration of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week in Maiduguri, the state capital.
Speaking on the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” Senesie described breastfeeding as one of the most affordable and impactful investments society can make in improving child survival, health and overall development.
According to him, breast milk provides infants with essential nutrients, protects them from diseases, supports healthy brain development and lays the foundation for healthier lives.
“Breastfeeding remains one of the most effective and affordable investments a society can make in the health, survival and development of children. It provides infants with the nutrients they need, protects them against illness, supports cognitive development and contributes to healthier futures,” he said.
Senesie stressed that breastfeeding should not be viewed solely as a health issue but also as a critical development and economic priority, noting that increased breastfeeding rates contribute to lower healthcare costs, healthier populations and improved productivity.
He called on governments, development partners, employers and families to strengthen support systems for nursing mothers through adequate investment, favourable policies and community-based initiatives.
“Investing in breastfeeding today means investing in human capital tomorrow. The 2026 theme calls upon all of us to strengthen what works.
“Successful breastfeeding is therefore not the responsibility of mothers alone. It requires a supportive system that includes fathers, grandparents, community leaders, employers, policymakers and development partners,” he said.
The UNICEF official also commended the Borno State Government, healthcare workers, community volunteers and development partners for their continued efforts to improve maternal, newborn and child health services across the state.
He noted that their interventions had expanded access to breastfeeding counselling and increased awareness among mothers.
Senesie reserved special praise for mothers, describing them as the true champions of breastfeeding.
“I also wish to recognise our mothers. Your commitment, resilience and unwavering love provide children with the strongest foundation for life. You are the true breastfeeding champions. We thank you for nurturing the next generation,” he added.
Also speaking, the wife of the Borno State Governor, Dr. Falmata Zulum, underscored the importance of providing comprehensive counselling services for women before, during and after childbirth to encourage exclusive breastfeeding.
She described breastfeeding as a child’s first source of nutrition and protection, noting that it also strengthens the bond between mother and child.
“Breastfeeding is a child’s first food, protection and foundation for health. It strengthens the bond between mother and child,” she said.
Zulum urged stakeholders to intensify breastfeeding counselling across antenatal, delivery and postnatal healthcare services while establishing community-based mothers’ support groups and actively involving fathers and community leaders in breastfeeding advocacy.
“I therefore call on all stakeholders to strengthen breastfeeding counselling across all antenatal, delivery and postnatal services, establish community mothers’ support groups, and engage fathers and community leaders,” she said.