Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government announces a 57.4% exclusive breastfeeding rate, surpassing the global benchmark of 50%, as part of activities marking the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, revealed the milestone during a press briefing on Tuesday, stressing that despite progress, early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth remains low at 14%. “When babies miss out on colostrum, their immunity is compromised from the start,” she warned.
She attributed the challenge to misinformation and poor birth practices, vowing that ongoing midwife training will correct harmful trends. This year’s theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” spotlights the need for social and institutional reforms. “Breastfeeding is not just a maternal issue; it is a public health, economic, and developmental concern,” Ogunyemi said.
Highlighting existing state policies, she noted Lagos’s pioneering six-month paid maternity and two-week paternity leave for civil servants, urging private sector adoption.
Director of Family Health and Nutrition, Dr. Folashade Oludara, added: “Breastfeeding is the most cost-effective infant nutrition source. Myths must be challenged.”
UN Nutrition Champion, Dr. Lola Alonge, praised Lagos’s lead but called for private sector buy-in and breastmilk banks. “Until they offer six-month paid leave, targets remain elusive,” she said.
The State Team Lead for Alive and Thrive, Wunmi Ajayi emphasised media’s role: “If women don’t understand the ‘why,’ they’ll keep turning to substitutes.”
The state’s month-long campaign includes facility-based outreaches and stakeholder forums. Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Olatunbosun Ogunbanwo, urged: “Let’s keep this conversation alive beyond this week.”
