Adamawa Commemorates 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, Launches Nutrition Strategy

Adamawa Commemorates 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, Launches Nutrition Strategy

The Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Adamawa State Governor, the Fresh Air Prolife Empowerment Foundation, and other development partners, has commemorated the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week with a renewed call for increased support for exclusive breastfeeding and improved maternal and child nutrition.

The event, held at the Nana Asma’u Primary Health Care Centre in Yola South Local Government Area, also featured the launch of the Adamawa State Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) Strategy for Nutrition. It brought together government officials, health workers, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, as well as breastfeeding mothers.

Speaking at the event, the Wife of the Adamawa State Governor, Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of mothers and children. She urged nursing mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life, describing breastfeeding as one of the most effective ways to ensure healthy child growth and reduce infant mortality.

Former Director of Nutrition in the Adamawa State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ladi Bako, said exclusive breastfeeding provides infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and strengthens their immunity against diseases. She urged mothers to embrace the practice and called on families to support breastfeeding women.

Representing the Commissioner for Health, Chubado Mohammed Jada, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Zira Mathias, said the Adamawa State Government remained committed to strengthening nutrition programmes and working with development partners to improve maternal, newborn and child health across the state. He described the launch of the State SBCC Strategy for Nutrition as a major step toward promoting positive nutrition practices and behavioural change.

Speaking on behalf of breastfeeding mothers, Mrs. Augustina Sunday appreciated the Adamawa State Government and its development partners for creating awareness on the importance of breastfeeding. She said the programme had encouraged mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding and appealed for sustained support through improved maternal healthcare services and continuous nutrition education.

The 2026 World Breastfeeding Week is themed “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.” The global campaign, observed from August 1 to 7, focuses on tracking progress, evaluating impact, and scaling proven approaches that improve breastfeeding outcomes.