Cross River State Promotes Early Breastfeeding Campaign

Cross River State is actively promoting early breastfeeding as part of the ongoing 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, which runs from August 1 to August 8. The campaign, led by the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency with support from UNICEF and Latter-day Saint Charities, focuses on encouraging mothers to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after childbirth and to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

During a visit to the Primary Healthcare Centre in Ekpo Abasi, it was observed that three women delivered and all initiated breastfeeding within the recommended timeframe after receiving counseling from health workers. The campaign extends beyond health facilities to churches, markets, and radio stations, aiming to raise public awareness about the benefits of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding.

Dr. Winifred Ogar, Director of Nutrition at the agency, emphasized the importance of early breastfeeding for newborn immunity and nutrition. The global theme for this year's World Breastfeeding Week is “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”.