Anambra State First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged expectant and nursing mothers across Nigeria to prioritise exclusive breastfeeding, describing it as a priceless gift that supports healthy growth, strengthens immunity and promotes a strong bond between mother and child.
Soludo, founder of the non-governmental organisation Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, made the call in a statement issued in Awka on Monday to mark the commencement of World Breastfeeding Week 2026.
The annual campaign, observed from August 1 to 7, is coordinated globally by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.
The 2026 campaign is themed, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
Soludo said every child deserved the healthiest possible start in life, noting that quality breastfeeding was one of the most effective ways to support infant health and development.
“As we begin this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, I celebrate every mother who continues to make sacrifices to nurture and protect her baby.
“Breastfeeding is a priceless gift that promotes healthy growth, strengthens immunity, and creates a lasting bond between mother and baby,” she said.
She encouraged mothers in Anambra State and across the country to practise exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a baby’s life, in line with established health recommendations.
According to her, babies do not require water, herbal mixtures or other foods during the first six months when they are exclusively breastfed.
“Exclusive breastfeeding gives babies the whole nutrients they need, helps protect them from infections, and contributes significantly to reducing childhood illnesses and mortality,” she added.
The Anambra First Lady also reaffirmed her commitment to supporting mothers through health advocacy and maternal and child health programmes implemented by the state government.
“Through our Healthy Living advocacy and the many maternal and child health programmes of the state government, we will continue to champion awareness, education, and support for mothers and families.
“We are building an Anambra where every mother is empowered to breastfeed with confidence, and every child is given the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning,” she said.
The global World Breastfeeding Week campaign seeks to highlight the importance of breastfeeding to nutrition, food security and poverty reduction, while promoting effective implementation models and community-driven initiatives that protect and support infant feeding.
