United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in Nigeria has urged nursing mothers to improve the rate of exclusive breastfeeding.

UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Gerida Birukila, lamented in Kwara State today that many mothers face cultural, social, and practical barriers preventing them from breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of their child’s life. She noted that the current rate of 58% falls short of the global target of 70%.

Birukila, who was represented by the Kwara state nutrition officer, Dr. Gbenga Bankole, emphasized that breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong health and well-being.

He reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Kwara state government in its journey towards better child health and nutrition, noting that the event aim to ensure that every child has the best start in life.