The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated the need for Nigerian nursing mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding of their infants for the first six months of life to improve the health status of their newborns.
This recommendation comes amid concerns that aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes is hindering nursing mothers’ embrace of exclusive breastfeeding, with the breastfeeding rate at 28.7 percent in Nigeria.
In a statement, NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, disclosed that the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) global target for exclusive breastfeeding is 50 percent by 2025, but Nigeria’s demographic and health survey indicates that only 28.7 percent of nursing mothers exclusive breastfeed in Nigeria.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement with the Association of Infant Food Manufacturers and Marketers in Nigeria (AIFMN), NAFDAC’s Professor Mojisola Adeyeye stated that the agency remains committed to implementing and monitoring adherence to the provisions of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.
Prof. Adeyeye, represented by Mrs. Eva Edwards, highlighted the negative impact of improperly marketing breastmilk substitutes on breastfeeding efforts. She emphasized the vital role of exclusive breastfeeding in providing irreplaceable nutrition for infants’ growth and health.
The International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and related World Health Assembly resolutions seek to ensure infants receive safe nutrition by supporting breastfeeding and regulating the use of substitutes.
Prof. Adeyeye also pointed out that the infant food industry often targets health professionals, compromising their independence and the public’s trust. She affirmed the agency’s dedication to promoting breastfeeding against the challenges posed by breast milk substitute marketing.
She reminded them that breastmilk substitutes are legitimate products that should be available for use when they are necessary, based on adequate information and through appropriate marketing and distribution.
‘Our concern is strictly inappropriate marketing practices. In the spirit of creating a conducive environment where the health and well-being of mothers and infants are prioritised, I wish us a fruitful and interactive session,’ she said.
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