By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has advocated science-based messaging and policies that e
By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos
Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has advocated science-based messaging and policies that enable mothers to breastfeed without barriers.
It said so, while commemorating year 2025 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW).
World Breastfeeding Week is organized annually from 1st to 7th August. The theme of this year’s WBW is, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”
Explaining the reason for the advocacy it made, the association said: “Breastfeeding is more than a personal choice, it is a public health imperative,” and stressed that “supporting breastfeeding is supporting life, health and the future of our children.”
Since its inception in 1992, World Breastfeeding Week has remained a powerful platform for advocacy, awareness and action around the critical role of breastfeeding in maternal and child health, HEWAN pointed out.
The theme for this year’s WBW, the health journalists’ group noted, emphasizes the urgent need to establish and maintain long-term, inclusive and effective support structures that empower mothers to breastfeed successfully.
“HEWAN, as a network of health journalists committed to improving public health awareness in Nigeria, supports this year’s theme and urges all sectors – governments, civil society, the media, healthcare institutions, employers, communities and families to play their part in creating an environment where breastfeeding is protected, promoted and supported.
“As health writers, we recognise the importance of consistent, science-based messaging and policies that enable mothers to breastfeed without barriers,” the association wrote in a statement issued on Friday 1st August, 2025.
In the statement signed by its President, Vivian Ihechu and Secretary, Temitope Obayendo, HEWAN said that Nigeria has continued to face challenges with exclusive breastfeeding rates, despite the proven benefits including reduced infant mortality, enhanced cognitive development and protection against common childhood illnesses.
It highlighted that the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey showed that while awareness of breastfeeding is high, practice remains suboptimal due to socio-cultural barriers, poor workplace policies and inadequate health system support.
HEWAN called on policy makers to implement and enforce maternity protection laws, including paid leave and breastfeeding breaks.
It enjoined employers to provide breastfeeding-friendly workplaces with lactation rooms and flexible schedules.
It also implored health professionals to offer accurate guidance and support from pregnancy through early childhood;
HEWAN called on community leaders and families to create nurturing, stigma-free environments that normalise breastfeeding.
It urged the media to amplify correct information and success stories that inspire collective action.
“World Breastfeeding Week 2025 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,” the health journalists declared.
The Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) is a professional body of health journalists dedicated to promoting public health through accurate and timely reporting.
HEWAN works collaboratively with health experts, policymakers and development partners to improve health literacy and drive positive change in health outcomes across Nigeria.
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