In commemoration of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) on August 1 to 7, the Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has identified the urgent need for inclusive, long-term action and structures that empower mothers to breastfeed successfully.
World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), observed annually from August 1 to 7, since 1992, has served as a global platform to promote the life-saving benefits of breastfeeding and advocate for stronger support systems for mothers and children.
HEWAN, a coalition of health journalists dedicated to advancing public health awareness, calls on all sectors—governments, civil society, media, healthcare institutions, employers, communities, and families—to contribute to creating an environment where breastfeeding is protected, promoted, and supported.
In a statement, HEWAN President, Vivian Ihechu, and Secretary, Temitope Obayendo emphasized that breastfeeding is more than a personal choice, rather it is a public health imperative.
“Breastfeeding is more than a personal choice, it is a public health imperative. 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.
“World Breastfeeding Week is not just a moment—it’s a movement. Together, we can build systems that sustain breastfeeding, safeguard the wellbeing of mothers and children, and invest in a healthier, more equitable future.
“HEWAN tasks stakeholdes including policy makers to implement and enforce maternity protection laws, including paid leave and breastfeeding breaks even as it urged employers to provide breastfeeding-friendly workplaces with lactation rooms and flexible schedules.”
Calling on the media to amplify correct information and success stories that inspire collective action, the group charged health professionals to offer accurate guidance and support from pregnancy through early childhood while community leaders and families need to to create nurturing, stigma-free environments that normalise breastfeeding;
“Despite widespread awareness, Nigeria continues to face challenges with exclusive breastfeeding rates. The 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey revealed that while knowledge of breastfeeding is high, actual practice remains hindered by socio-cultural norms, inadequate workplace policies, and weak health system support.
“These barriers undermine the well-documented benefits of breastfeeding, which include reduced infant mortality, improved cognitive development, and protection against common childhood illnesses.”
HEWAN urges policymakers to enforce maternity protection laws such as paid leave and breastfeeding breaks.
“Employers are encouraged to provide breastfeeding-friendly workplaces with lactation rooms and flexible schedules. Health professionals must offer consistent and accurate support from pregnancy through early childhood.
“Community leaders and families should foster stigma-free environments that normalize breastfeeding. The media also has a critical role to play in amplifying accurate information and sharing success stories that inspire collective action.”
The media, HEWAN says, has a critical role to play in amplifying correct information and sharing success stories that inspire action.
