Anambra First Lady Dr Nonye Soludo Advocates for Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice

As the global community commemorates World Breastfeeding Week 2026, Dr Nonye Soludo, the wife of Anambra State Governor, has emphasized the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for infants. According to her, breastfeeding is a vital gift that fosters healthy growth, boosts immunity, and creates a lasting bond between mothers and their babies. Dr Soludo, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo NGO, stated that every child deserves the best possible start in life, and quality breastfeeding is a key factor in achieving this. She made these remarks in a press statement released in Awka, as part of the activities marking the commencement of World Breastfeeding Week 2026, which is observed globally from August 1 to August 7. The week is coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and UNICEF. This year's theme, 'Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: Strengthen what works', prompted Dr Soludo to encourage expectant and nursing mothers in Anambra State and across Nigeria to adopt exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of their babies' lives, as recommended by health experts. Dr Soludo noted, '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 celebrated the sacrifices made by mothers to nurture and protect their babies, highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding, which include promoting healthy growth, strengthening immunity, and creating a lasting bond between mothers and babies. Dr Soludo advised mothers to avoid giving their babies water, herbal mixtures, or other foods during the first six months, as exclusive breastfeeding provides all the necessary nutrients, protects infants from infections, and significantly reduces childhood illnesses and mortality. Through her Healthy Living advocacy and the state government's maternal and child health programmes, Dr Soludo pledged to continue promoting awareness, education, and support for mothers and families, with the goal of creating an Anambra where every mother can breastfeed with confidence and every child is given the opportunity to thrive from the outset.