In an unprecedented effort to promote maternal and child health, Nigeria has set the world record for the highest number of 31,250 lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously.
This record breaks the record of 21,000 lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously attempted by the Philippines.
The event, which was held across Nigeria, saw Niger State set a new record for the most lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously in states across the country with 1,800 lactating mothers breastfeeding at the same time.
The state government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, UNICEF Nigeria, and other partners mobilised the women from the 25 local government areas to break the world record for the most simultaneous breastfeeding by lactating mothers.
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The event, which was held to flag off the 2024 World Breastfeeding Day, had a target of 30,000 lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously but recorded 31,250 lactating women breastfeeding at the same time.
In Niger State, the event was held at the Justice Lego Kutigi Conference Hall in Minna, marking the commencement of World Breastfeeding Week.
The Niger State Commissioner of Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Bello Tukur, said breastfeeding will address malnutrition and preventable diseases, urging mothers to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months and utilise primary healthcare centres (PHCs) for routine care.