The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged fathers and other stakeholders in Borno State to provide adequate support for breastfeeding mothers to ensure infants receive the nutrients needed for healthy growth and protection against illnesses.
UNICEF Nutrition Manager in Borno State, Joseph Senesie, made the call on Monday during an event organised in Maiduguri to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week 2026.
Speaking on the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” Senesie described breastfeeding as one of the most effective and affordable investments in the health, survival and development of children.
He noted that breastfeeding provides infants with essential nutrients, protects them against illnesses, supports cognitive development and contributes to 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 regarded solely as a health issue, noting that it also has implications for development and the economy.
He therefore called on families, development partners and the government to provide breastfeeding mothers with the necessary care, investment and supportive policies.
“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 added.
According to him, supporting breastfeeding benefits not only mothers and children but also families, communities and the wider economy by reducing healthcare costs and improving productivity.
“As UNICEF, we believe that breastfeeding is not only a health issue; it is also a development issue and an economic issue,” Senesie said.
He commended the Borno State Government, health workers, community volunteers and development partners for their efforts to promote maternal, newborn and child health services.
Senesie said their interventions had helped increase awareness and create opportunities for mothers to access breastfeeding counselling and other forms of support.
He also praised breastfeeding mothers for their commitment and resilience, describing them as “the true breastfeeding champions”.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the Borno State Governor, Falmata Zulum, emphasised the importance of providing counselling services to women before, during and after childbirth.
“Breastfeeding is a child’s first food, protection and foundation for health. It strengthens the bond between mother and child,” she said.
Zulum called on relevant stakeholders to strengthen breastfeeding counselling across antenatal, delivery and postnatal services.
She also advocated the establishment of community mothers’ support groups and greater involvement of fathers and community leaders in promoting breastfeeding.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7 to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and encourage stronger support systems for mothers and infants.
