By Umar Dankano, Yola
The Adamawa State Government, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Helen Keller International have called on families, employers, healthcare workers and communities to support mothers and promote exclusive breastfeeding for the healthy growth and development of children.
The UNICEF Chief, Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, made the call during the launch of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week in Yola, stressing that breast milk serves as a baby’s “first vaccine” by protecting children against diseases, supporting healthy brain development and providing a strong foundation for life.
Rafique said the observance was a reminder that breastfeeding remains a critical investment in the health, survival and development of every child.
She said the 2026 theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” calls for building on existing progress while strengthening systems that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully.
According to her, while breastfeeding gives every child the best possible start in life, mothers cannot do it alone, stressing the need for collective support from families, communities, healthcare providers, employers, government institutions and development partners.
She called on stakeholders to engage fathers, grandmothers, religious and traditional leaders as advocates for breastfeeding, while strengthening community support structures and providing accurate breastfeeding counselling during antenatal and postnatal care.
The UNICEF official also urged mothers to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of delivery, exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months, and continue breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to two years and beyond.
“Strengthening support for breastfeeding is urgent and requires collective action from families, communities, healthcare providers, employers, government institutions and development partners,” Rafique said.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Adamawa State, Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, said the flag-off was a reminder of every child’s right to exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months to promote good health.
She said the administration of her husband, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, remained committed to maternal and newborn health and the protection of children across the state.
She therefore urged families to ensure adequate and exclusive breastfeeding of their children.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Chubado Mohammed Jada, and Nutrition Programme Officer, Transforming Lives Project, Helen Keller International, Musa Ali, encouraged mothers to breastfeed newborns to promote healthy growth and development.
Our Correspondent reports that nursing mothers who attended the event also shared their experiences on the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.