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Cross River State First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu
The Cross River State Government, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organisation (WHO) and National Primary Health care Development Agency (NPHCDA) have launched the First 1,000 Days of Life Social and Behaviour Change Campaign (SBCC) to promote maternal and child nutrition.
The campaign was flagged off in Calabar by the wife of the governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, as part of the World Breastfeeding Week 2026.
Represented by her Special Adviser, Apostle Queen Eton, Bishop Otu pledged to take the advocacy to all 18 local government areas, markets, churches and mosques.
“As the mother of the state, I will partner with the Ministry of Health, the Primary Health Care Agency and UNICEF to take this campaign everywhere. For the first six months, give only breast milk. No water, no pap. Breast milk has all the water and nutrients the child needs.
“Breast milk is God’s perfect food — clean, safe, free and full of love. A well-nourished child in the first 1,000 days will thrive,” she said.
Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Vivian Edet, said the materials would help families from conception to age two.
“Nutrition is everybody’s business. Breastfeeding remains the most cost-effective way to save lives and build a healthier future,” she said.
UNICEF’s nutrition specialist, Dr Ngozi Onuora, represented by Blessing Nwaerungwa, said: “The launch of these SBCC materials is an important step towards promoting positive nutritional practices. Together, we can give every child a healthier start.”
WHO State Coordinator, Olatunde Rebecca, represented by Etemah-Aboh Ekane, said the campaign would bridge the gap between awareness and practice.
“This campaign will shift social norms, empower mothers and equip health workers to ensure early initiation of breastfeeding. WHO will provide unwavering support,” she assured.
On his part, NPHCDA Coordinator, Christian Okechukwu, represented by Offiong Edem, said: “Eighty percent of brain development occurs in the first 1,000 days. This period of rapid growth must be taken seriously.” (The Sun)
