Health Writers Advocate Breastfeeding to Reduce Infant Mortality

Ayodeji Ake 

In commemoration of the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), annually celebrated, the Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has joined stakeholders across the globe, advocating exclusive breastfeeding to

reduce infant mortality, enhance cognitive development, and protect against common childhood illnesses. 

In a press statement, the President of HEWAN, Vivian Ihechu, explained the importance of breastfeeding as Nigeria continues to face challenges with exclusive breastfeeding rates, despite the proven benefits.

She said: “Since its inception in 1992, WBW has remained a powerful platform for advocacy, awareness, and action around the critical role of breastfeeding in maternal and child health.

“The theme for WBW 2025, ‘Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems’,  emphasizes the urgent need to establish and maintain long-term, inclusive and effective support structures that empower mothers to breastfeed successfully.”

Ihechu noted that HEWAN, as a network of health journalists committed to improving public health awareness in Nigeria, supports this year’s theme and urges all sectors – governments, civil society, the media, healthcare institutions, employers, communities, and families to play their part in creating an environment where breastfeeding is protected, promoted, and supported.

“Breastfeeding is more than a personal choice; it is a public health imperative. As health writers, we recognise the importance of consistent, science-based messaging and policies that enable mothers to breastfeed without barriers. 

“Supporting breastfeeding is supporting life, health, and the future of our children,” she said.

The 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey revealed that, although awareness of breastfeeding is high, its practice remains suboptimal due to socio-cultural barriers, inadequate workplace policies, and insufficient support from the health system.

HEWAN called on policymakers to implement and enforce maternity protection laws, including paid leave and breastfeeding breaks; employers to provide breastfeeding-friendly workplaces with lactation rooms and flexible schedules; and health professionals to offer accurate guidance and support from pregnancy through early childhood.

The Association also called on community leaders and families to create nurturing, stigma-free environments that normalise breastfeeding, and the media to amplify correct information and success stories that inspire collective action.