Benue Govt reaffirms Commitment to Improving Maternal, Child Nutrition

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Benue State Primary Health Care Board, in collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, UNICEF and other development partners, on Monday flagged off the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) celebration and launched the First 1,000 Days Campaign Posters in the State.

The event was held at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, brought together government officials, development partners, healthcare professionals, traditional and religious leaders,

civil society organisations, community volunteers, mothers, caregivers and other stakeholders committed to improving maternal, newborn and child nutrition across the state.

The 2026 World Breastfeeding Week is being celebrated under the global theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What WORKS, “highlighting the critical role of breastfeeding in ensuring child survival, optimal growth, improved immunity and sustainable development.

Delivering his goodwill message, the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Ogwuche Ejeh Paul, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), Helen Keller International and other development partners for their continued collaboration in strengthening nutrition programmes and improving maternal and child health outcomes in the State.

Ogwuche described breastfeeding as one of the most effective, affordable and evidence-based interventions for reducing infant mortality, preventing malnutrition and laying a strong foundation for healthy growth and lifelong development.

He noted that the launch of the First 1,000 Days Campaign represents another significant milestone in the state’s efforts to improve maternal, infant and young child nutrition.

 According to him, the period from conception to a child’s second birthday provides a unique opportunity to influence a child’s physical growth, brain development, learning capacity and future productivity through proper maternal nutrition, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and appropriate complementary feeding thereafter.

The Commissioner, however, expressed concern over the persistent burden of malnutrition in Benue State, particularly among children and mothers in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, where displacement, food insecurity, inadequate sanitation and limited livelihoods continue to expose vulnerable populations to acute malnutrition and other nutrition-related challenges.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of governor Hyacinth Alia, to strengthening nutrition services across Primary Health Care facilities through the expansion of Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), promotion of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices, improved availability of life-saving nutrition commodities and enhanced nutrition interventions in both host communities and humanitarian settings.

Ogwuche commended the unwavering support of UNICEF, Helen Keller International, WHO and other development partners whose technical and financial assistance continues to strengthen nutrition programmes and improve health outcomes for mothers and children across the state.

He also applauded the dedication of healthcare workers, community volunteers, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations and media practitioners for their invaluable contributions towards promoting exclusive breastfeeding and creating greater awareness on optimal nutrition practices.

While stressing the need for families and communities to support breastfeeding mothers, the Commissioner urged mothers to initiate breastfeeding within one hour after delivery, practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continue breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding up to two years and beyond.

He further encouraged fathers, employers and community leaders to create enabling environments that allow mothers to successfully breastfeed and provide their children with the healthiest possible start in life.

Speaking on the significance of the newly launched campaign materials, Ogwuche said the First 1,000 Days Campaign Posters will serve as vital advocacy and behaviour change communication tools to promote healthy nutrition practices and strengthen public awareness on the importance of maternal and child nutrition.

The flag-off ceremony reaffirmed the Benue State Government’s commitment to reducing malnutrition, improving child survival and achieving better health outcomes through strategic partnerships, community engagement and sustained investments in maternal, newborn and child health.

The 2026 World Breastfeeding Week celebration is expected to feature a series of advocacy, awareness and community mobilisation activities aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding and advancing nutrition interventions across Benue State, 

in line with the health vision of the administration of Governor Rev. Dr. Fr. Hyacinth Alia to provide accessible, equitable and quality healthcare for every citizen.