By Saminu Ibrahim
The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has called for stronger policies and sustained investments to support breastfeeding, describing it as a critical foundation for child survival, human capital development and national prosperity.
The call was made on Monday by the Executive Secretary of CS-SUNN, Mr. Sunday Okoronkwo, represented by the organisation's Programme Manager, Ridwan Awosanya, at the flag-off ceremony of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW).
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Awosanya said this year's theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," underscores the need to reinforce existing interventions that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully.
He said CS-SUNN was proud to join the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in commemorating the annual campaign.
According to him, breastfeeding is more than a maternal and child health intervention, stressing that it is a strategic investment in Nigeria's future.
"This annual observance is a powerful reminder that breastfeeding is not only a maternal and child health intervention, it is a foundation for human capital development, progressive communities and sustained national prosperity. Investing in breastfeeding is investing in Nigeria's future," he said.
Additionally, Awosanya urged governments at all levels, the private sector, employers, communities, families and development partners to strengthen policies, systems and support mechanisms that would enable every mother to initiate breastfeeding early, practice exclusive breastfeeding and continue breastfeeding in line with global recommendations.
He however reaffirmed CS-SUNN's commitment to promoting evidence-based advocacy, community mobilisation and multi-sectoral partnerships to improve maternal, infant and young child nutrition across the country.
The programme manager therefore called for collective action to ensure that every child gets the healthiest possible start in life while every mother receives the support needed to breastfeed successfully.
He also commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its leadership in advancing nutrition interventions and appreciated the commitment of development partners and stakeholders working to improve nutrition outcomes and save lives.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually to promote breastfeeding as a key intervention for improving maternal and child health. The 2026 campaign is themed "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works."
Highlight of the event, was the launch of the first 1000 days of life campaign by the permanent secretary of the ministry of health, Daju Kachollom.