UNICEF demands six-month maternity leave approval for Bauchi nursing mothers
Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Bauchi Office, has urged Bauchi State Government to approve six-month maternity leave for breastfeeding women.
Rafique said that the six-month maternity leave when approved would enable the mothers observe the six-month exclusive breastfeeding and guarantee better care and better hygiene for children.
At a press conference held to mark 2025 World Breastfeeding Week held at the UNICEF Office, Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field Office of the UNICEF Bauchi State, said breast milk, being the first food for the baby, really helps in developing systems against diseases and building the nutrition level of the child.
“Starting with the formula we need to promote, 1,6,24. 1 is the first hour the baby need to be initiated to breastfeeding for the all the benefit of antibodies, it is the first food for the baby and it’s very good for the child”, she said.
The Chief of Field Office noted that mothers need the support of all to be able to breastfeed their babies exclusively for 6- month and then continue till 24 months with complementary food.
According to her, in line with the theme of the 2025 WBW, “System support for the moment”, full support for nursing mothers is required to help them observe the 1,6, 24 formula of breastfeeding.
Until and unless the woman is fully supported, it is very difficult for her to do the right things, initiate breastfeeding on time, continuing breastfeeding, complementary feeding till 24 months.
“There are different social, cultural dynamics playing role in it. So we all need family and community support to ensure that she get all these done”, the Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field office said.
“Let the policy be in place, the six months maternity leave, let the exclusive breastfeeding be supported for every working mother”, she added.
Rafique expressed the need for some special arrangements in work places for the mothers to continue to feed their children after returning from the six-month maternity leave.
With the initiation of complementary feeding, they still need to continue with the breastfeeding for 24 months. If they don’t have a good private place to feed the child, it will be difficult for them to continue the feeding while working or performing to contribute to the state’s progress.
