WBW 2025: HEWAN Calls for Stronger Support Systems for Breastfeeding

In commemorating the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2026, the Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has called for a multi-sectoral commitment to creating sustainable systems that support breastfeeding in Nigeria.

Marking the annual event, celebrated from 1 to 7 August , HEWAN underscored the significance of this year’s theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, which calls for inclusive and lasting support mechanisms for nursing mothers.

WBW, aimed at improving the health of babies and mothers globally through the promotion and support of breastfeeding, is coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and supported by UNICEF, WHO, and other international partners.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) also emphasise the importance of exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months, noting it protection against gastrointestinal infections which is observed not only in developing but also industrialised countries.

It however lamented the rate of suboptimal breastfeeding in developing countries not withstanding high level awareness on the impact of the practice on child care.

“Many infants and children do not receive optimal feeding. For example, only about 44 per cent of infants aged 0–6 months worldwide were exclusively breastfed over the period of 2015-2020,” the global agency revealed in a statement.

HEWAN, through a statement jointly signed by its President, Vivian Ihechu, and General Secretary, Temitope Obayendo, emphasised that breastfeeding is not merely a personal act but a public health necessity. The association, comprising health journalists from across Nigeria, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing maternal and child health through accurate, science-based reportage.

Ihechu said a multi sectoral approach involving policymakers, employers, health professionals and the media is crucial to facilitating optimal breastfeeding practice.

She tasked policymakers on implementing and enforcing maternity protection laws, including paid maternity leave and designated breastfeeding breaks; while employers are to establish breastfeeding-friendly workspaces, complete with lactation rooms and flexible work schedules.

“Breastfeeding is more than a personal choice; it is a public health imperative,” HEWAN President stated. “Supporting breastfeeding is supporting life, health, and the future of our children.”

Health professionals, she said, are to offer accurate and empathetic support from pregnancy through early childhood; as community leaders and families are to normalise breastfeeding and eliminate stigma.

Despite widespread awareness, Nigeria continues to grapple with low exclusive breastfeeding rates. Citing findings from the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which reveal high awareness, but suboptimal practice, she condemned the entrenched socio-cultural norms, weak workplace policies, and inadequate health system support, limiting exclusive breastfeeding.

The media, Ihechu said must be at the forefront of the campaign to amplify success stories and credible information that encourage collective action.

“World Breastfeeding Week 2025 is not just a moment—it’s a movement,” HEWAN declared. “Together, we can build systems that sustain breastfeeding, safeguard the wellbeing of mothers and children, and invest in a healthier, more equitable future.”

With the right investments in place, the WHO maintained that countries can significantly increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding. Current statistics show that 10 percent more infants are exclusively breastfed at 6 months compared to 2013, while some countries have achieved higher figure of 20 percent and more can be done.
Other benefits of breastfeeding, according to the global health body are, it protects child health and improves survival, especially in the first months of life. In addition to essential nutrition, it provides antibodies that protect against common illnesses like diarrhoea, pneumonia and infections.

In commemorating the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2026, the Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has called for a multi-sectoral commitment to creating sustainable systems that support breastfeeding in Nigeria.

Marking the annual event, celebrated from 1 to 7 August , HEWAN underscored the significance of this year’s theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, which calls for inclusive and lasting support mechanisms for nursing mothers.

WBW, aimed at improving the health of babies and mothers globally through the promotion and support of breastfeeding, is coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and supported by UNICEF, WHO, and other international partners.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) also emphasise the importance of exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months, noting it protection against gastrointestinal infections which is observed not only in developing but also industrialised countries.

It however lamented the rate of suboptimal breastfeeding in developing countries not withstanding high level awareness on the impact of the practice on child care.

“Many infants and children do not receive optimal feeding. For example, only about 44 per cent of infants aged 0–6 months worldwide were exclusively breastfed over the period of 2015-2020,” the global agency revealed in a statement.

HEWAN, through a statement jointly signed by its President, Vivian Ihechu, and General Secretary, Temitope Obayendo, emphasised that breastfeeding is not merely a personal act but a public health necessity. The association, comprising health journalists from across Nigeria, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing maternal and child health through accurate, science-based reportage.

Ihechu said a multi sectoral approach involving policymakers, employers, health professionals and the media is crucial to facilitating optimal breastfeeding practice.

She tasked policymakers on implementing and enforcing maternity protection laws, including paid maternity leave and designated breastfeeding breaks; while employers are to establish breastfeeding-friendly workspaces, complete with lactation rooms and flexible work schedules.

“Breastfeeding is more than a personal choice; it is a public health imperative,” HEWAN President stated. “Supporting breastfeeding is supporting life, health, and the future of our children.”

Health professionals, she said, are to offer accurate and empathetic support from pregnancy through early childhood; as community leaders and families are to normalise breastfeeding and eliminate stigma.

Despite widespread awareness, Nigeria continues to grapple with low exclusive breastfeeding rates. Citing findings from the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which reveal high awareness, but suboptimal practice, she condemned the entrenched socio-cultural norms, weak workplace policies, and inadequate health system support, limiting exclusive breastfeeding.

The media, Ihechu said must be at the forefront of the campaign to amplify success stories and credible information that encourage collective action.

“World Breastfeeding Week 2025 is not just a moment—it’s a movement,” HEWAN declared. “Together, we can build systems that sustain breastfeeding, safeguard the wellbeing of mothers and children, and invest in a healthier, more equitable future.”

With the right investments in place, the WHO maintained that countries can significantly increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding. Current statistics show that 10 percent more infants are exclusively breastfed at 6 months compared to 2013, while some countries have achieved higher figure of 20 percent and more can be done.
Other benefits of breastfeeding, according to the global health body are, it protects child health and improves survival, especially in the first months of life. In addition to essential nutrition, it provides antibodies that protect against common illnesses like diarrhoea, pneumonia and infections.