In response to the alarming prevalence of child malnutrition in Bauchi State, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has renewed its call for mothers to adopt exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of their babies’ lives. The organisation also urged the state government to enact supportive policies—particularly six months of paid maternity leave for nursing mothers—to facilitate uninterrupted breastfeeding and enhance child nutrition.
During a media briefing on Monday in commemoration of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, voiced concern over the state’s persistently poor nutrition indicators among children. She emphasized that the fight against malnutrition must begin at birth, with early initiation and sustained exclusive breastfeeding.
Dr. Rafique underscored that exclusive breastfeeding remains the most effective and affordable intervention for combating malnutrition and ensuring child survival, particularly in the early stages of life.
“I think I would like to start from the status of nutrition of the children in Bauchi, where we find a very grave situation. Half of the children, they are malnourished, and even more have been malnourished in the past, leading to chronic malnutrition and stunting.
There are a lot of children in Bauchi as a state, and the nutrition situation is very poor. And, you know, breastfeeding is one of the first promises towards good nutrition and survival of the child.”
She outlined a three-stage breastfeeding formula—1, 6, 24—which UNICEF is promoting as a universal guide for mothers, families, and communities:
“Starting with, remember the formula that we need to promote. 1, 6, 24. One hour, the first hour of the baby, we need to initiate breastfeeding.
For all the benefits of antibodies, very good food for the child. The first food for the baby which can really help him developing the resistance against diseases and to building the nutrition level.
Then, exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months. 1, 6, 24. Exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months, and then initiation of complementary feeding, optimum complementary feeding, along with continuation of breastfeeding till 24 months. So this is the formula every mother should know. Every grandmother should know. Whole community should know.”
Reflecting on the theme for this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, “System Support for the Woman,” Dr. Rafique stressed that breastfeeding success depends on the support of both families and institutions.
“I am a mother. You are mothers and fathers of the children. You know the family values. Until or unless the woman is fully supported, it is very difficult for her to do the right things.
On the other hand, we really need the state government, the health system to play their roles, all systems to play their roles to support the mother.
If there are skilled birth attendants, there are more chances that the mother will initiate breastfeeding within first hour. If the health providers are trained properly for essential newborn care, there are more chances that mother will be facilitated to do first-hour initiation of breastfeeding and continue it exclusively.”
Also speaking at the event, UNICEF Nutrition Specialist Mrs. Philomina Irene advocated for six months of paid maternity leave for nursing mothers, highlighting the critical role it plays in enabling mothers to meet breastfeeding goals without workplace stress or interruption.
She revealed that only 2 in 10 babies in Bauchi State are currently breastfed exclusively, a figure that falls drastically short of global nutrition standards. She called on media professionals to raise public awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and children’s rights. She also urged public and private institutions to establish breastfeeding-friendly environments for working mothers.
In support of these efforts, the State Nutrition Officer for the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Alhaji Abubakar Sale Sabo Bara, reiterated the government’s commitment to improving child nutrition through community engagement and behavior change strategies.
He stated that the board is scaling up awareness campaigns targeting parents, traditional leaders, and religious authorities to encourage exclusive breastfeeding as a foundation for children’s health and survival.
According to Bara, the wellbeing of children remains the Board’s top priority, and sustained efforts will be made to enhance nutrition outcomes across the state.
