A woman breastfeeding her child.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on Nigerian mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life as a key measure to protect them from diphtheria and other life-threatening infections.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme at the Christian Women’s August Meeting in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, UNICEF facilitator Chineze George-Ileka explained that exclusive breastfeeding strengthens a baby’s immune system and significantly lowers the risk of contracting diphtheria.

Diphtheria, a contagious bacterial infection affecting the respiratory system, has resurfaced in parts of Nigeria, with rising cases reported among children under the age of five. If untreated, it can lead to severe complications or even death.

“Infants who are not exclusively breastfed are more vulnerable to infections due to weaker immune responses,” Mrs George-Ileka said. “Breast milk without water in the first six months of life provides essential antibodies and nutrients that act like a natural vaccine, shielding babies from pathogens, including those that cause diphtheria.”

She added that UNICEF has been actively engaging communities across Anambra State to promote exclusive breastfeeding and timely vaccination through behavioural change campaigns among mothers.

Also speaking at the event, Chinwe Udeagha, Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officer for Anambra East LGA, urged mothers to make their children’s health a priority by adopting exclusive breastfeeding and ensuring complete immunisation.