WBW - Implement, enforce maternity protection laws - HEWAN tells lawmakers.

Policy makers have been urged to implement and enforce maternity protection laws, including paid leave and breastfeeding breaks.

There is also the need for employers to provide breastfeeding-friendly workplaces with lactation rooms and flexible schedules.

The President, Health Writers Association of Nigeria, HEWAN, Mrs Vivian Ihechu, made the call in a statement commemorating the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week in Lagos. 

According to the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, while awareness of breastfeeding is high, practice remains suboptimal due to socio-cultural barriers, poor workplace policies, and inadequate health system support.

Mrs Ihechu urged health professionals to offer accurate guidance and support from pregnancy through early childhood, while community leaders and families should create and nurture stigma-free environments that normalise breastfeeding.

"The media should 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 well-being of mothers and children, and invest in a healthier, more equitable future."

Ihechu noted that since the theme for WBW 2025 is “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” it emphasizes the urgent need to establish and maintain long-term, inclusive, and effective support structures that empower mothers to breastfeed successfully.

"Breastfeeding is more than a personal choice, it is a public health imperative, and as health writers, we recognise the importance of consistent, science-based messaging and policies that enable mothers to breastfeed without barriers". Ihechu

She stressed that "Supporting breastfeeding is supporting life, health, and the future of our children.”

Ihechu, who expressed dismay that  Nigeria had 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, promised that HEWAN will do its best to promote proper exclusive breastfeeding. 

"HEWAN, being a network of health journalists is 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.

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 in collaboration with health experts, policymakers, and development partners to improve health literacy and drive positive change in health outcomes across Nigeria.

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Zamfara Govt Confirms Cholera Outbreak in 11 LGAs.

Zamfara State Government has confirmed that eleven local government areas of the state have been affected by a recent outbreak of cholera.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, made this known during the distribution of cholera medications and consumables items at the Orphans and Less Privileged Hospital in Maradun Local Government Area.

A statement by the Ministry’s Information Officer, Sulaiman Isa, indicates that Dr Maradun explained that Bungudu, Maru, and Maradun have so far received items, including intravenous fluids such as Ringer’s lactate and normal saline, rubber kettles, plastic drums, handwashing stations, soap, detergents, chlorine, and measuring cups.

The Health Commissioner stated that the state government is committed to extending the distribution to all 14 local government areas of the state.

Upon receiving the items, the Chairman of Maradun Local Government, Alhaji Sanusi Ahmad Dosara, commended Governor Dauda Lawal and the Health Commissioner for their intervention.

He assured that the donated medical supplies would be judiciously utilized and distributed to all affected health facilities in the area.

AMINU DALHATU.