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Anambra State First Lady Nonye Soludo has called on expectant and nursing mothers across Anambra State to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life, describing it as one of the most powerful tools for ensuring a child’s healthy development. Nonye is a maternal and child health advocate who leads the state’s Healthy Living initiative, a flagship programme focused on promoting wellness among women, mothers, and families across the state. x
Her message where she described breastfeeding as a priceless gift that promotes healthy growth, strengthens immunity, and creates a lasting bond between mother and child was released on August 3, 2026, to mark the beginning of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week.
In her statement, First Lady Nonye emphasised that during the first six months of life, breast milk alone is sufficient and no water, herbal mixtures, or additional foods are necessary. She stated that exclusive breastfeeding provides babies with all the nutrients they need, protects them from infections, and contributes significantly to reducing childhood illnesses and mortality.
“I celebrate every mother who continues to make sacrifices to nurture and protect her baby. Breastfeeding is a priceless gift that promotes healthy growth, strengthens immunity, and creates a lasting bond between mother and baby.”
The first lady added that the Anambra State Government’s maternal and child health programmes would continue to champion awareness, education, and support for breastfeeding mothers and their families. She pledged to build an Anambra where every mother is empowered to breastfeed with confidence, and every child is given the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7 and is coordinated globally by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and UNICEF.
The 2026 theme focuses on closing the gap between breastfeeding knowledge and practice, particularly in communities where cultural pressures, misinformation, and lack of institutional support continue to undermine exclusive breastfeeding rates.
