In commemoration of this year’s World Breastfeeding week, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) joined the global community to mark the event. The theme for the 2025 edition of the breastfeeding week is โPrioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,โ to raise awareness and support.
The week-long celebration, was observed from the 18th through the 24th of August 2025, featuring different programs. The program was officially declared open on the first day of schedule, with the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Henry Ugboma, represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Datonye Alasia. In his address, he emphasized the need for mothers to prioritize intensive breastfeeding of their babies from birth up to three years to ensure proper growth and development.
The Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prof. Oriji Vaduneme Kingsley, delivered the keynote lecture, where he highlighted the importance of breastfeeding to both newborn and mothers, underscoring its nutritional and health benefits. He noted that optimal breastfeeding involves exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, after which complementary foods should be introduced while breastfeeding continues till time of weaning. He further stressed that breastfeeding benefits mothers as well, reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and as the most cost-effective initiative for infant survival.
The Assistant Coordinator of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), Prof. Gracia Eke, encouraged mothers to begin breastfeeding within one hour of childbirth and to maintain exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended period.
Two lactating mothers, Mrs. Emehobong Ehwon and Mrs. Nora Mba, expressed satisfaction with the knowledge gained from the program. They applauded the organizers and encouraged other mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding, citing its numerous benefits.
In attendance were several dignitaries, including DCMAC Special Project Advancement and Linkages, Prof. Tamunopreye Jaja, Head of Nursing Services,.Dr. Dorcas Maxwell, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prof. Oriji Vaduneme ,Chairman NMA Dr. Diamond Tamunokuro, Chairman, MDCAN, Dr. Christian Amadi , NSN Chairman, Rivers State Chapter. Dr Catherine Orisa ,Head of Pediatrics, Prof. Nsirimobu Paul, Coordinator, BFHI UPTH Prof. Alice Nte, Head of Dietetics, Mr.Nwafor Samuel Maduka ,PRO UPTH Elabha Meni .
Part of the activities, was the team visiting the University of Port Harcourt Senate , and was warmly received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill, who pledged the Universityโs support in strengthening breastfeeding initiatives. The team also paid courtesy visits to the ASUU Chairman, UPWA President, SSANU Chairman and the Mosque.
Highlights of the week includes, campaign rallies, goodwill messages and the presentation of postnatal materials from the Nutrition Society of Nigeria.
The celebration reinforced UPTHโs commitment to promoting maternal and child health through sustained breastfeeding advocacy.
