The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on media professionals to intensify public awareness campaigns on breastfeeding and child nutrition as the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week begins. According to Punch News, the organisation said sustained media engagement is essential to improving child health, human capital development, and achieving sustainable development goals.
The appeal was made during a two-day Zonal Media Dialogue held in Enugu, organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA) and supported by development partners. The 2026 World Breastfeeding Week is themed, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
Speaking at the event, UNICEF’s Officer-in-Charge of the Enugu Field Office, Dr. Hilary Ozoh, described breastfeeding as one of the most valuable investments any society can make for its future. He highlighted the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, including improved infant survival, healthy development, stronger immunity, and better maternal health, while noting its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ozoh also urged journalists to use accurate and evidence-based reporting to shape public opinion, influence government policies, and encourage positive behavioural change. He stressed that the media plays a crucial role in helping families make informed decisions about infant and young child nutrition.
UNICEF Communication Officer, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, said the programme was designed to strengthen journalists’ capacity to report accurately on breastfeeding, maternal health, and child nutrition. She also encouraged the media to advocate for family support, workplace and market-friendly breastfeeding environments, and exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life.
Public health consultant Dr. Chikezie Obasi noted that nearly 820,000 child deaths could be prevented annually through optimal breastfeeding. He urged journalists to champion policies such as compulsory six-month paid maternity leave and stronger support for exclusive breastfeeding.
UNICEF Nutrition Specialist Ngozi Onuora expressed concern over Nigeria’s child nutrition challenges, revealing that millions of children under five suffer from stunting, wasting, anaemia, and food poverty. She stressed the need for increased public education and stronger advocacy to improve child nutrition outcomes across the country.
Source: Punch News
