As activities marking World Breastfeeding Week 2026 commence, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged women to prioritise exclusive breastfeeding, describing it as a priceless gift that promotes healthy growth, strengthens immunity and builds a lasting bond between mother and child.
Soludo, founder of the non-governmental organisation Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, said every child deserves the healthiest possible start in life, stressing that quality breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways to achieve that.
She made the call in a statement issued in Awka on Monday to commemorate this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, observed globally from August 1 to 7 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and UNICEF.
Speaking on the 2026 theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” Soludo encouraged expectant and nursing mothers in Anambra and across Nigeria to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months, in line with recommendations by health experts.
“Every child deserves the healthiest possible start in life, and one of the most powerful ways to make that happen is through quality breastfeeding.
“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.
“I, therefore, encourage expectant and nursing mothers across Anambra State to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, as recommended by health experts.
“No water, herbal mixtures, or other foods are needed during this period. Exclusive breastfeeding gives babies all the nutrients they need, helps protect them from infections, and contributes significantly to reducing childhood illnesses and mortality,” she said.
Soludo added that the state government would continue to promote maternal and child health through awareness campaigns and support programmes.
“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 added.
World Breastfeeding Week is a global campaign coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, alongside the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, to promote breastfeeding as a key strategy for improving child nutrition, food security and reducing infant mortality.
