Nigeria rolls out free maternal health week and national breastfeeding campaign

The Lagos State Government launched the 2026 Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week on July 20, offering free services at public primary health centres and outreach sites until July 24. Services include Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, routine immunisation, antenatal and post‑natal care, family planning, nutrition counselling, tuberculosis and HIV screening, growth monitoring and health education. First Lady Dr Ibijoke Sanwo‑Olu warned against unqualified birth attendants and highlighted rising social issues such as over 4,000 rape reports in 2025.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced a nationwide push for breastfeeding ahead of World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1‑7). The theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” emphasizes early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued nursing up to two years. Activities will include a national commemoration on Aug 3, press briefings, community outreach, health‑worker training and media campaigns across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.