300 Women Sensitised on Exclusive Breastfeeding in Bauchi

More than 300 women of reproductive age, including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, have been sensitised on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life in Warji Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The sensitisation programme, organised by Catalysing Strengthened Policy Actions for Healthy Diets and Resilience (CASCADE), was held at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Tudun Wada, Warji, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.

The programme was held under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthening What Works.”

Speaking at the event, CASCADE Project Manager, Isaac Ishaya Audu, said the initiative was organised by CARE International in Nigeria to expand awareness among mothers on the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

Audu expressed concern that certain cultural practices in rural communities continued to discourage exclusive breastfeeding, thereby posing risks to children’s health, growth and cognitive development.

He said CASCADE had, over the past four years, promoted facility-based nutrition education in partnership with the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

According to him, the intervention includes complementary feeding demonstrations, facility gardens and nutrition corners under the MYCYN policy, aimed at improving household diets.

He explained that CASCADE, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by CARE International and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), currently operates in 10 local government areas of Bauchi State.

Audu added that the programme also engages traditional rulers, community leaders and health workers to strengthen the adoption of exclusive breastfeeding practices across communities.

In separate remarks, the Deputy Officer-in-Charge of Tudun Wada Primary Healthcare Centre, Sule Idi, and the Village Head, Ibrahim Sarki Ahmed, commended the initiative and pledged to sustain breastfeeding awareness during antenatal care visits.

The event also featured the recognition of selected mothers and children as “Exclusive Breastfeeding Champions” in recognition of their commitment to the practice.