Keynote Address for the World Breastfeeding Ceremony Flagoff 2024

We are gathered to mark a moment of profound significance—the flag-off of the World Breastfeeding Ceremony. This year’s theme is’ Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All’. This is a global campaign to raise awareness and support and draw the populace’s attention to the health and well-being outcomes of breastfeeding on infants, young children, and mothers.

Breastfeeding is more than a natural process; it is a fundamental right for every child and an unparalleled act of love and nourishment from a mother to her baby. It is a cornerstone of child survival, nutrition, and development. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting this vital practice.

This initiative aims to raise awareness and advocate for the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life, which is crucial for the health and development of our children. This practice protects against infections, reduces the risk of chronic conditions, and provides all the nutrients infants need for healthy growth.

However, we are aware of the challenges that many mothers face. Misconceptions and harmful practices, such as introducing water and other substances within the first six months of the baby’s life, can undermine the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Today’s campaign is a clarion call to address these issues and provide the support every mother needs to give her child the best start in life.

In partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the Nutrition Department, UNICEF Nigeria, and other dedicated partners, we are embarking on a groundbreaking initiative that will simultaneously set a new world record for the most lactating women breastfeeding. The goal is to gather at least 30,000 lactating women across 30 major cities and internationally displaced camps in Nigeria. Enugu State proudly contributes 1,000 of these women at today’s flag-off ceremony. This effort aims to surpass the current record of 21,000, held by the Philippines since 2013.

This historic event is happening simultaneously in all states of the federation, with the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON OON, and the First Ladies across the states leading this noble cause. As we witness 1,000 mothers breastfeeding simultaneously here in Enugu, we are not just breaking records; we are breaking barriers. We are promoting a culture of support, understanding, and empowerment for all mothers. We are closing the gap in breastfeeding support and ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive.

Unfortunately, the exclusive breastfeeding rate in Nigeria remains persistently low, presenting a critical public health challenge. This record-breaking attempt will be a powerful platform to promote optimal breastfeeding practices and combat the social stigma around breastfeeding. Breaking this record will garner national and global attention, catalysing action to encourage exclusive breastfeeding and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Our efforts are aligned with the World Health Assembly’s global target of increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding to at least 50% by 2025. This ambitious goal is achievable with the collective effort of governments, communities, healthcare providers, and families.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the mothers participating today, our partners, and everyone who has laboured relentlessly to make this event possible. Together, we are making history and, more importantly, making a difference.

Let us continue to champion the cause of breastfeeding and work together to support all mothers and give all children the healthy start they deserve.

Thank you, and God bless.

H.E Nkechinyere Mbah