The Niger State Government has expressed concern over the decline in Early Initiated Breastfeeding (EIB) rates in the state. According to a report by the National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS), the EIB rate has decreased from 42 percent in 2018 to 35.5 percent in 2023. This decline was revealed during a 5-Day Desk Review and Domestication of Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Strategy for Nutrition in Niger State, organized by the State Ministry of Primary Health Care in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

State Nutrition Officer, Hajia Asmau Abubakar, emphasized the importance of breastfeeding, ideally for at least 24 months after birth. She stressed the need for mothers to initiate their newborns early to breast milk, particularly colostrum, which is rich in nutrients and antibodies. However, the report shows that only one out of three babies are given breast milk in the first hour after birth, and only 29% are exclusively breastfed.

The state also faces significant challenges related to child nutrition, with 43.9 percent of under-5 children experiencing stunting, 23.7 percent underweight, and 5.8 percent wasting. Dr. Gerida Birukila, Chief of UNICEF’s Kaduna Office, noted that Nigeria contributes significantly to the burden of malnutrition, accounting for over 40 percent of the burden of stunting alongside India and Pakistan.

To address this challenge, the Director of Nutrition at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, urged stakeholders to mainstream SBC in nutrition programming. This approach aims to change the narrative and improve nutrition outcomes in the state. The UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Chinwe Ezeife, represented Dr. Birukila at the event and emphasized the need for continued progress to address the nationwide public health challenge of malnutrition.

The decline in EIB rates and the high prevalence of malnutrition in Niger State highlight the need for sustained efforts to promote breastfeeding and improve child nutrition. The collaboration between the state government, UNICEF, and other stakeholders is crucial in addressing these challenges and ensuring that children in the state receive the nutrition they need to thrive.