From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Commissioner for Health, Cross River State, Dr. Henry Ayuk, has reiterated the state’s commitment to improving maternal and child health by encouraging exclusive breastfeeding and building community support systems for nursing mothers.
Speaking during the official flag-off of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week at the General Hospital, Calabar, the commissioner urged mothers to prioritise breastfeeding as a vital act of nurturing and national development
Ayuk, who spoke on the themed: “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” emphasised that breastfeeding is not optional; it is essential. “It’s a life-giving act that shapes the future of our children and our society. We must put breastfeeding first, before any other thing, because when you feed a child, you feed the future.”
The commissioner further emphasised the need for sustainable support systems at the household, community, and institutional levels to encourage mothers to breastfeed effectively. “Our mothers need support, from their husbands, families, communities, and health workers. This is a shared responsibility. Even traditional leaders and community influencers must help encourage and support pregnant and nursing mothers.
“We’re not just promoting breastfeeding; we are building a supportive environment for it through better infrastructure, training, and community involvement,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of addressing harmful practices, misinformation, and neglect that hinder optimal breastfeeding. “We must engage everyone men, women, youth, elders. Everyone has a role in ensuring that mothers feel supported and empowered to breastfeed.”
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