As part of activities marking World Breastfeeding Week 2026, health workers in Cross River State on Sunday took the campaign for exclusive breastfeeding to churches across Calabar, educating worshippers on its importance for infant survival, growth, and development.
The outreach, themed “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” was led by nurses and nutrition officers from the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with facility-based Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) teams.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church on Egerton Street, Calabar, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Coordinator at the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Margaret Anashie, emphasized that breast milk remains the ideal and most complete source of nutrition for infants during their first six months of life.
“Breastfeeding should begin within the first hour after birth, remain exclusive for the first six months, and continue alongside safe complementary foods up to two years or beyond,” she said.
According to her, breast milk is not only cost-free but also protects babies against illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia while promoting healthy brain development.
“No water, no pap, no formula for the first six months,” she stressed.
Anashie also urged fathers, mothers-in-law, and church leaders to support nursing mothers instead of encouraging the early introduction of other foods.
At The Foursquare Gospel Church on MCC Road, Calabar, the State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Nkem Ubana Eyong, challenged common misconceptions that discourage exclusive breastfeeding.
“Some people say the baby will be thirsty or that the mother’s milk is not enough. That is misinformation,” she said. “When babies are exclusively breastfed for six months, hospital visits reduce, child mortality declines, and we build a healthier generation.”
She called on pastors to use their platforms to dispel myths and encourage the creation of breastfeeding-friendly churches where nursing mothers can receive privacy and support during worship services.
Responding on behalf of the church, Rev. Fr. Charles Etim of Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church led the congregation in singing the popular classic “Sweet Mother” by the late Prince Nico Mbarga before thanking the health team for the awareness campaign.
“As faith leaders, we have a duty to protect life. If breastfeeding can save babies, then we must preach it and practice it,” he said, pledging to include breastfeeding messages in the church’s weekly announcements.
The sensitization exercise forms part of statewide activities commemorating World Breastfeeding Week 2026, observed from August 1 to 7, and coordinated by the Cross River State Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF and other development partners.
Nutrition Officer at the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Winifred Ogar, explained that churches were deliberately selected for the campaign because they are places where families gather and make important decisions affecting children’s wellbeing.
“We are strengthening what works: community support, accurate information, and policy implementation such as maternity protection and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative,” she said.
Following the church services, health workers engaged women’s groups in interactive sessions and announced plans to extend the sensitization campaign to mosques and community town halls throughout the week.
The Ministry of Health also urged residents to seek infant feeding advice only from approved health facilities and to report any unprofessional practices related to maternal and child healthcare.
