By Adamu Imam, Bauchi
No fewer than 300 women of reproductive age, especially pregnant and lactating mothers in Warji Local Government Area of Bauchi State, have been sensitized on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life to protect newborns from killer diseases.
The one-day sensitization was organized by Catalyzing Strengthened Policy Actions for Healthy Diets and Resilience, CASCADE, at the Primary Healthcare Centre, PHCC, Tudun Wada, Warji LGA, as part of activities to mark the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.
The theme was: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthening What Works.”
Speaking at the event, Isaac Ishaya Audu, Project Manager, CASCADE, said CARE International in Nigeria organized the session to widen awareness among pregnant and lactating mothers.
“We are targeting healthcare facilities to encourage pregnant and lactating mothers to imbibe the culture of exclusive breastfeeding and strengthen child upbringing,” he said.
He noted that in many rural communities, social norms and cultural practices discourage women from practicing exclusive breastfeeding, which negatively affects child health and development.
“Exclusive breastfeeding contributes significantly to cognitive development. It is a practice we must emphasize more strongly and ensure it is taken seriously,” he said.
Audu added that CASCADE is working with government and other actors to strengthen community-level awareness on exclusive breastfeeding.
On nutrition, he said CASCADE has for the last four years been promoting a facility-based approach in partnership with the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
“We leverage Antenatal Care sessions to facilitate complementary feeding demonstrations. We teach women how to prepare multiple recipes using locally available foods to bridge nutrient gaps in children and improve access to healthy diets,” he said.
He said the project also promotes nutrition education and establishes facility-based gardens within health centers. Crops include orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and _Bomazica_, a vegetable used to address anemia in pregnant women.
“We also set up nutrition corners under the MYCYN policy at the state level. These corners provide nutrition education, awareness, and sensitization for pregnant and lactating women to bridge information gaps and improve household diets,” he explained.
Audu said CASCADE is a policy-strengthening intervention working across community, household, government, and traditional institutions to promote exclusive breastfeeding in rural areas.
“This initiative is multisectoral. We are bringing together traditional leaders, community leaders, health workers, and civil society to ensure efficient awareness and adoption of exclusive breastfeeding,” he said.
He disclosed that CASCADE is funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by CARE International in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, GAIN. Field implementation in Bauchi is handled by the Development Exchange Center, DEC. The project currently covers 10 LGAs in the state.
Also speaking, the Deputy Officer-in-Charge of Tudun Wada PHCC, Sule Idi, commended the organizers. He said health workers at the facility would henceforth ensure every pregnant woman receives adequate information on exclusive breastfeeding during ANC visits.
The Village Head of Tudun Wada, Ibrahim Sarki Ahmed, also commended the organizers and government for providing quality healthcare. He stressed that exclusive breastfeeding gives children the opportunity to live healthy and reach their full potential.
“Education is very important for a useful life. As traditional rulers, we will continue to support efforts that make life more meaningful for our people,” he said.
Some nursing mothers expressed delight at the training, saying it exposed them to the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
The highlight of the event was the recognition of some mothers and their children as “Exclusive Breastfeeding Champions.” They received gift items.
