By Nnedinma Okeke
The Breastfeeding Focal Person (BFP) of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Mrs. Ngozi Onor, has described breast milk as a baby’s “first vaccine,” noting that it provides essential nutrients and immune protection that help shield infants from common childhood illnesses.
Onor made this known in an interview on Aug. 7, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, observed from August 1 to 7, with the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
She said breast milk contains the nutrients, fluids and antibodies babies need during the first six months of life and helps protect them against infections, including diarrhoea, pneumonia and ear infections, which can contribute significantly to childhood illness and mortality.
“Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure the survival, healthy growth and development of infants, while also improving the wellbeing of mothers, strengthening families and communities,” Onor said.
She explained that exclusive breastfeeding means feeding an infant only breast milk for the first six months, except where prescribed medicines, oral rehydration solution or vitamin and mineral supplements are medically indicated.
According to her, breastfeeding supports healthy growth and development while providing important protection against infections. Mothers also benefit, as breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size, reduces postpartum bleeding and is associated with lower risks of breast and ovarian cancers and type 2 diabetes.
“Beyond the health advantages, exclusive breastfeeding saves families from the high cost of infant formula, feeding bottles and frequent hospital visits resulting from preventable childhood illnesses,” the Breastfeeding Focal Person noted.
Onor stressed that successful breastfeeding should not be seen as the responsibility of mothers alone, noting that fathers and other family members have important roles to play.
She encouraged fathers to provide emotional support, assist with household responsibilities, ensuring that breastfeeding mothers have adequate nutrition, rest and encouragement, particularly during the early and sometimes challenging stages of breastfeeding.
“A supportive father can make a significant difference in a mother’s breastfeeding journey. Encouragement, understanding and shared family responsibilities create an environment where mothers can breastfeed successfully,” she noted.
She called on grandparents, religious leaders, traditional rulers, employers and community members to promote breastfeeding and discourage practices that may interfere with exclusive breastfeeding, including giving newborns water, herbal preparations or other foods before six months.
Onor urged employers to create breastfeeding-friendly workplaces through supportive maternity policies, flexible arrangements and appropriate spaces where mothers can express or breastfeed their babies.
She advised pregnant women to attend antenatal care regularly and participate in breastfeeding counselling sessions so they can receive practical guidance before delivery.
The BFP encouraged mothers to initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth, ideally within the first hour where medically feasible, noting that early initiation provides important nourishment and immune protection for newborns.
“Every child deserves the healthiest possible start in life. By supporting exclusive breastfeeding, we are investing in healthier children, healthier mothers and a healthier nation,” Onor said.
She called for sustained community support for breastfeeding mothers, stressing that when families, health workers, workplaces and communities work together, more women are able to breastfeed successfully and give their children a healthy start in life.
Nnedinma Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
