Cross River Achieves Over 87% Rise in Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates

The Cross River State Government has recorded a remarkable improvement in exclusive breastfeeding rates, with new figures showing more than an 87 per cent increase in infants under six months being fed solely on breast milk.

The milestone was disclosed in Calabar by the Director of Nutrition at the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mrs Winifred Ogar, during a field mission organised for journalists as part of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week activities.

Mrs Ogar attributed the achievement to a combination of strategic interventions, including renewed advocacy from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for stronger health systems, sustained investment in breastfeeding support, and the tireless efforts of the State Breastfeeding Champion, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu — wife of the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu — who has led awareness campaigns and provided direct support to breastfeeding mothers across the state.

According to her, the governor’s approval of a six-month maternity leave for mothers played a decisive role in the success story. She described the policy as “a crucial step that reinforced breastfeeding as both a health and developmental priority,” noting that it has encouraged mothers to fully embrace exclusive breastfeeding practices.

“Since she was decorated as the State Breastfeeding Champion, we have witnessed an impressive level of compliance among lactating mothers,” Ogar stated. “Our teams have been sensitising mothers in health facilities on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, the right positioning, and attachment during feeding. Many have acknowledged that breast milk alone is the best start in life for their babies. This year, more mothers are ensuring their newborns are put to the breast within the first hour of birth.”

However, she noted that a small percentage of mothers were yet to comply, citing reasons such as inadequate personal nutrition, pressure from mothers-in-law to introduce water, entrenched myths, and cultural beliefs. She appealed to fathers to actively support their wives throughout the six-month breastfeeding period and urged policymakers to prioritise breastfeeding in public health discussions.

In separate remarks, the programme’s Focal Persons for Calabar Municipal Council, Mrs Nkoyo Orok Okon; Yakurr Local Council, Mrs Pricious Usani; and Obanliku Local Council, Mrs Virginia Anya, credited the breakthrough in all three senatorial districts to aggressive sensitisation drives in health facilities, backed by the state government, UNICEF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and growing support from fathers.

They underscored the need for sustained policies that safeguard breastfeeding, including family-friendly workplace provisions and tighter regulation of breastmilk substitute marketing.

Some breastfeeding mothers, speaking during the event, expressed deep appreciation to the governor, health workers, and development partners for their roles in making exclusive breastfeeding possible. They also called for improved access to essential medicines and the recruitment of more healthcare personnel to ensure services keep pace with growing demand.

The latest data positions Cross River as one of Nigeria’s leading states in exclusive breastfeeding promotion — a development health experts say could significantly improve child survival rates, strengthen early childhood development, and reduce preventable illnesses in infants.

Akahi News – 08038644328