SOLUDO’S WIFE URGES WOMEN TO EMBRACE EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

As the world begins the ‘World Breastfeeding Week 2026’, the Anambra first lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged women across the country to prioritise exclusive breastfeeding for their babies, adding that breastfeeding is a priceless gift that promotes healthy growth, strengthens immunity, and creates a lasting bond between mother and baby.

Soludo, who is the founder of the Non-Governmental Organisation, ‘Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo’, said every child deserves the healthiest possible start in life, and one of the most powerful ways to make that happen is through quality breastfeeding.

She stated this in a press statement she released in Awka on Monday, as part of activities commencing the ‘World Breastfeeding Week 2026’, performed globally from August 1 to August 7, by World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action alongside the World Health Organisation and UNICEF.

Speaking on this year’s theme, ‘Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: Strengthen what works’, the governor’s wife encouraged expectant and nursing mothers in Anambra and across the country to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, as recommended by health experts.

She said, “Every child deserves the healthiest possible start in life, and one of the most powerful ways to make that happen is through quality breastfeeding.

“As we begin this year’s ‘World Breastfeeding Week’, 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.

“I, therefore, encourage expectant and nursing mothers across Anambra State to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, as recommended by health experts.

“No water, herbal mixtures, or other foods are needed during this period. Exclusive breastfeeding gives babies the whole nutrients they need, helps protect them from infections, and contributes significantly to reducing childhood illnesses and mortality.”

She emphasised that through the healthy living advocacy and many maternal and child health programmes, the state will continue to champion awareness, education and support for mothers.

“Through our Healthy Living advocacy and the many maternal and child health programmes of the state government, we will continue to champion awareness, education, and support for mothers and families.

“We are building an Anambra where every mother is empowered to breastfeed with confidence, and every child is given the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning,” she added.

The global campaign, coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action alongside the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, evaluates breastfeeding impact on nutrition, food security, and poverty reduction, highlighting successful implementation models and community-driven actions that protect and promote infant feeding.