By Damilola Abiola
As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2025, the Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has called on government agencies, employers, healthcare professionals, and families to prioritize sustainable support systems that empower mothers to breastfeed.
This year’s theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” highlights the urgent need to move beyond awareness to action, especially in countries like Nigeria, where exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low despite high awareness.
“Breastfeeding is more than a personal choice, it is a public health imperative,” said HEWAN in a statement commemorating the week, which runs from August 1 to 7.
“As health writers, we recognise the importance of consistent, science-based messaging and policies that enable mothers to breastfeed without barriers. Supporting breastfeeding is supporting life, health and the future of our children,” the group added.
Despite global and national campaigns, Nigeria continues to struggle with improving breastfeeding practices. The 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey revealed that while most women are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding, actual practice is hampered by socio-cultural barriers, unsupportive workplace environments, and limited healthcare guidance.
HEWAN is urging key sectors to act:
- Policymakers to enforce maternity protection laws, including paid leave and breastfeeding breaks;
- Employers to establish breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, with lactation rooms and flexible schedules;
- Health professionals to provide consistent, evidence-based support from pregnancy through early childhood;
- Families and communities to create stigma-free, encouraging environments for breastfeeding mothers;
- And the media to continue amplifying success stories and accurate breastfeeding information.
“World Breastfeeding Week is not just a moment, it’s a movement,” HEWAN emphasized. “Together, we can build systems that sustain breastfeeding, safeguard the wellbeing of mothers and children, and invest in a healthier, more equitable future.”
The association reaffirmed its commitment to using journalism as a tool to raise awareness, advocate for change, and promote policies that protect maternal and child health.
HEWAN, founded to promote public health through responsible reporting, continues to work closely with health professionals, civil society, and development partners to foster health literacy and policy reforms across Nigeria.