Exclusive Breastfeeding Builds Immunity, Boosts IQ, Strengthens Nigeria’s Economy – UNICEF
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Suzan Edeh
The Chief of Field UNICEF, Bauchi Field Office (BFO), Dr Nuzhat Raffique has urged stakeholders to prioritize exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life to combat high child mortality and severe malnutrition rates in the country.
The commendation was given on Monday during the flag-off of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week in Bauchi with a briefing to Journalists at the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC).
Dr. Rafique revealed that while over 90% of mothers in Bauchi State practice breastfeeding, optimal practices remain critically low.
She stated that according to UNICEF data, early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth stands at just 12% in the state, while the exclusive breastfeeding rate for the first six months is only 26%.
Dr. Rafique warned that denying newborns early breast milk, particularly colostrum, which acts as a child’s first natural vaccine and replacing it with water, honey, or local herbal mixtures introduces harmful germs.
“These practices are literally harmful because they introduce germs from the hands and the environment.
When children are given water or extra things, they end up in the hospital with diarrhea, ulcers, waterborne infections, and respiratory diseases. This pushes them into a vicious cycle of malnutrition and infection that weakens them until they can no longer fight it, leading to death” The UNICEF Chief said.
Dr. Rafique pointed out that unhygienic conditions at both the household and facility levels exacerbate the problem.
She commended the Bauchi State Government, led by the State Governor, for passing a milestone bill approving a six-month maternity leave policy and lauded the efforts of the state team, including Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency for championing child nutrition.
Additionally, Dr. Rafique expressed gratitude for the allocation of ₦500 million to the Child Nutrition Fund for 2026, urging the immediate release of the funds to purchase essential nutritional supplies.
Highlighting the benefits of continued breastfeeding for up to two years, Dr. Rafique noted that frequent breastfeeding acts as a natural child-spacing mechanism, aligning with physiological needs and Islamic teachings allowing a mother’s body at least two years to recover after childbirth.
she emphasized that breastfeeding yields long-term national benefits by boosting children’s intelligence quotient (IQ) and emotional quotient (EQ).
“Breastfeeding is not merely feeding a child; it is building a nation and building the economic status of the country,”
she said.
Dr. Rafique emphasized that mothers cannot achieve this alone and called for a holistic support system:Government: Establish creches in workplaces and dedicated breastfeeding spaces in public areas.
” Husbands and family members must share domestic chores to allow mothers adequate rest, a proper diet, and a stress-free environment for milk production” She stressed.
Concluding her address, Dr. Rafique shared an inspiring encounter from Adamawa State, where the First Lady personally visited a health facility to counsel a mother and assist with early breastfeeding initiation.
She expressed hope that Bauchi State would soon replicate such high-level advocacy to secure a healthier future for Nigerian children.
