Cross River State government has released one hundred million Naira to boost breastfeeding by nursing mothers, according to Dr. Obogo Simon Idoko, head of nutrition division in the state Ministry of Health Calabar.
He stated that the state is promoting breastfeeding and maternal infant and young child nutrition with support from the state ministry of health, the Primary Health Care Development Agency, and other MDAs through a variety of activities.
They have insisted that we must see the effectiveness of the mandatory six-month breastfeeding.
Idoko clarified that micronutrient supplementation is another purpose for the N100 million.
He also confirmed that the government has released budget funds to MDAs for the 2024 WBFW celebration, unlike before.
He noted that the state government also approved six months of maternity leave for nursing and breastfeeding mothers.
“The State Ministry of Health and primary health care agencies have provided proper funding for activities in secondary health facilities to support children identified with severe acute malnutrition and mild acute malnutrition,” Idoko added.
Idoko disclosed further that, to mark the 2024 celebration, the state commissioner for health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, in collaboration with the SPC and partners, has embarked on mass media awareness creation and aggressive sensitisation activities in markets, churches, and public places to distribute medical consumables in order to address some of the identified gaps in breastfeeding.
Speaking on this year’s theme, ‘Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,’ Idoko called for proactive measures and the involvement of individuals, NGOs, government, etc. to ensure the right actions and policies take place.
“It is consistent with this that the State Ministry of Health is embarking on this celebration in collaboration with SPC, the Primary Health Care Development Agency, and other partners.” I must admit, this is the first coordinated celebration of WBFW in our state.
Idoko alleged that before now, there was no positive support, coordination, and funding for nutrition activities in the state.
However, since there has been political will and well-coordinated nutrition-related activities led by the chairman of the SPC,
The State Ministry of Health, State Primary, and the SPC have been working together effectively.
