Lagos Surpasses Global Exclusive Breastfeeding Target With 57.4% Rate

Lagos State has recorded an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 57.4 per cent, exceeding the global target of 50 per cent, as the government reaffirmed its commitment to improving infant nutrition and child survival through strengthened breastfeeding initiatives.

According to a post on its official X page, the disclosure was made during a press briefing held on Tuesday at the Lagos State Ministry of Health in Alausa to mark the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week celebration.

Speaking at the briefing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, said while the state had made remarkable progress in exclusive breastfeeding, more work was needed to improve the rate of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, which currently stands at 14 per cent.

She described breastfeeding as one of the most effective strategies for child survival, noting that breast milk remains the safest, most nutritious and most affordable source of nourishment for infants.

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“The importance of breastfeeding as a child survival strategy, especially in the first six months of life, cannot be over-emphasised. Breast milk is free, nutrient-dense, readily available and creates healthier children while promoting stronger bonding between mother and child,” Ogunyemi said.

She explained that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding up to the age of two, supports children’s physical, cognitive and mental development while reducing the risk of illness and infant mortality.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” Ogunyemi said breastfeeding remains a sustainable and cost-effective solution for families, particularly amid current economic challenges.

She urged fathers, grandparents, employers, healthcare workers, religious leaders, community leaders and other caregivers to support nursing mothers, stressing that successful breastfeeding depends on strong family and community support.

The Special Adviser said Lagos had continued to strengthen its Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) programme through healthcare worker training, breastfeeding counselling, enforcement of regulations on breast milk substitutes and nutrition education across health facilities.

According to her, all 334 Primary Health Centres, 29 secondary healthcare facilities and one tertiary health institution in the state are implementing the MIYCN strategy through an effective referral system.

Ogunyemi, however, expressed concern over misconceptions surrounding colostrum, the first breast milk produced after childbirth, noting that such beliefs have contributed to the low rate of breastfeeding within one hour of delivery.

“Midwives in both public and private health facilities are being trained to initiate breastfeeding within one hour after delivery,” she said.

Responding to questions from journalists, Ogunyemi dismissed claims that mothers who deliver through caesarean section cannot breastfeed immediately.

“A caesarean section is not a barrier to breastfeeding. Whether a mother delivers vaginally or through surgery, breastfeeding should begin as soon as possible, ideally within the first hour after birth,” she said.