In a friendly but studious atmosphere, UNICEF Niger brought together, Tuesday, August 12, 2025, journalists and heads of the Ministry of Health for a press coffee dedicated to breastfeeding. At the heart of exchanges, a shock observation: if 96.6 % of Nigerian mothers are breastfeeding, only 21.8 % practice exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months, far from the 50 % targeted by the WHO. Organized within the framework of the 28th world week for breastfeeding, on the theme “Prioritizing breastfeeding: weaving solid support networks”, the event aimed to strengthen dialogue between nutrition experts and media to promote this vital practice at all levels – family, community and institutional.
Around the table, Ms. Djanabou Mahondé, representative of Unicef in Niger, surrounded by her team, rubbed shoulders with the officials of the Ministry of Health, including Dr Aboubacar Mahamadou, director of nutrition, and Dr Ibrahim Assalama, head of the Anje service. The media were also there: the managing director of the KM Media group, publisher of the Actiniger.com site, as well as representatives of Bonferey, Tambara, OneP, TV Sahel and Africable TV, had responded to the invitation of the UN agency.
For Djanabou Mahondé, representative of Unicef in Niger, the message is clear: ” Breastfeeding, and especially exclusive breastfeeding the first six months, saves lives. It is a child’s first vaccine ».
She recalls that this simple gesture brings all the essential nutrients to the survival and development of the infant, while protecting it from many diseases. But the observation is worrying: in Niger, only 21.8 % of children under six months benefit from exclusive breastfeeding, far from the objective of 60 % by 2030.
According to Ms. Mahondé, the obstacles are multiple: early introduction of water or other foods, lack of support for mothers, difficulties in accessing health structures. “” Malnutrition is a global problem, which lastingly affects the cognitive and economic development of children », She stressed, also insisting on economic interest: each 600 CFA francs invested in breastfeeding would save nearly 21 000 F CFA in health care.
An observation that the Ministry of Health fully shares. Dr. Aboubacar Mahamadou, director of nutrition at the Ministry of Health, rushed: ” Breastfeeding gives the best start to a child. But in Niger, despite the fact that 96.6 % of mothers are breastfeeding, the practice often remains non -optimal. »
He deplores that 40.6 % of infants receive water for six months, which greatly reduces the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Early start, within the hour of birth, also remains below expectations.
For the ministry, the key lies in a collective commitment: families, communities, health professionals, decision -makers, civil society and media. “” Punctual interventions are not enough; We must register the action over time “Recalled the official, quoting the Minister of Health.
Beyond the figures, UNICEF and its partners argue for a real conducive environment: psychological and logistical support for mothers, targeted awareness campaigns, training for health workers and mobilization of community relays.
Because, recalls Djanabou Mahondé, “ To support breastfeeding is to invest in the health, education and the future of the country ».
Throughout the morning, journalists and technicians of the ministry were able to exchange freely, ask sharp questions and collect specific data to feed their content. The initiative illustrates the will of UNICEF and the government to make media a strategic link in promoting a simple, free and saving practice.
Abdoulkarim (ACNUIGER.com)
date: 2025-08-15 20:51:00