Youth advocates in Kano have warned against poor breastfeeding, saying that many illnesses in children are linked to under-breastfeeding.
They urged mothers to feed their babies properly, ideally for at least 24 months, to ensure better health and development.
This message was shared during rallies held by U-Reporters and other youth groups organised by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on Friday to mark World Breastfeeding Week 2025.
At the rally held at Kofar Nasarawa roundabout, Jibril Umar, the team lead for U-Reporters under UNICEF, explained the main goal of the campaign.
He said it was important to educate mothers on the health benefits of exclusive and extended breastfeeding.
“Normally, 24 months is the actual duration for breastfeeding a baby. If you don’t reach that, the baby may not be very healthy. Many illnesses come because of under-breastfeeding,” Umar said.
He urged mothers to prepare themselves mentally and physically for breastfeeding and to maintain good hygiene.
“Mothers should be well prepared for breastfeeding and take immune boosters. Some illnesses can be transmitted from mother to child, so cleanliness is very important,” he added.
Umar emphasized that the campaign aims to change the mindset of mothers and the wider community to ensure babies get the best start in life.
He also called on the government to increase support for breastfeeding awareness campaigns.
“The government should make sure breastfeeding is done properly in every community because of the health of the babies,” Umar said.
The rallies took place at key locations around Kano, including Dangi Roundabout near Umar Bin Khattab Mosque, KSIP Roundabout on Ahmadu Bello Way, Triumph Roundabout near WAPA Bureau de Change market, First Bank Roundabout on Lagos Street, Hotoro Roundabout on Eastern Bypass, Government House Roundabout along State Road, Abubakar Rimi Market Gate, Kofar Gadon Kaya on Aminu Kano Way, Kofar Nasarawa near the Emir’s Palace, Gadar Lado along Zaria Road, and Yankaba Market along Hadeja Road.
