The Kwara State Government has announced plans to increase exclusive breastfeeding coverage to 70 per cent across its 16 local government areas, urging mothers to breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first six months of life.
The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Nusirat Elelu, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Monday as part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.
The event was organised by the state government in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Vitamin Angels.
Elelu noted that despite progress made in promoting breastfeeding, the state’s exclusive breastfeeding rate remained below the desired level, stressing that reaching the 70 per cent target would require commitment from all stakeholders.
She described the theme of the celebration, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” as a reminder of the importance of breastfeeding in ensuring healthy growth and development among children.
“Breastfeeding provides every child with a nutritious and healthy foundation for life and remains a key part of sustainable development,” she said.
The agency’s boss highlighted some of Kwara’s achievements, including being among the first states in Nigeria to approve six months of maternity leave and establish crèches in government ministries.
However, she warned that more efforts were needed, announcing the promotion of a “Zero Water” campaign aimed at correcting the belief that infants below six months require additional water.
According to Elelu, breast milk contains about 88 per cent water, which is sufficient to provide babies with the hydration and nutrients they need during their first six months.
She cautioned that giving infants water or other liquids could expose them to contaminants, increase the risk of diarrhoea and reduce their intake of essential nutrients from breast milk, affecting their growth and immunity.
Elelu also revealed that pregnant women in the state have access to free Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) at Primary Health Centres, with more than 14,423 women benefiting from the programme since the beginning of 2026.
She explained that the supplements help prevent maternal malnutrition, anaemia, premature births and low birth weight.
“A healthy and well-nourished mother is better positioned to provide quality breast milk for her child,” she said, urging pregnant women to visit nearby health centres to register and collect the supplements.
(NAN)