Celebrating Breastfeeding Week: A Milestone for Maternal and Child Nutrition in Cross River State By Nkem Ubana and Kebe Ikpi

As the world observes World Breastfeeding Week this year, Cross River State stands as a shining example of progressive policy and collective action in support of mothers and children. This annual celebration provides an opportunity to reaffirm the critical importance of breastfeeding while recognizing bold steps that enable mothers to provide the best start for their infants.

This year’s theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” carries particular significance. It calls on governments, communities, and partners to move beyond awareness-raising and instead track progress, evaluate what has proven effective, and scale up successful approaches that improve breastfeeding outcomes. By focusing on evidence-based interventions that advance nutrition, food security, and poverty reduction, the theme underscores that breastfeeding is not merely a personal choice but a powerful, sustainable public health strategy with lifelong benefits for children, families, and society

We extend our deepest gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, for approving six months of paid maternity leave for female civil servants, effective since December 2025. This forward-thinking policy removes a major barrier that previously forced many working mothers back to work too soon, undermining exclusive breastfeeding. By granting this extended leave, the Governor has demonstrated visionary leadership that prioritizes family health, gender-sensitive workplace practices, and long-term human capital development. It sends a powerful message that the state values the irreplaceable role of mothers in nurturing the next generation.

This policy shift did not happen in isolation. Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) played a pivotal advocacy role, working tirelessly alongside other key stakeholders to push for evidence-based nutrition interventions, including extended maternity protection. Through sustained engagement with government officials, budget advocacy, evidence generation, and community mobilization, CS-SUNN and partners amplified the voices of mothers, health workers, and nutrition experts. Their efforts included high-level advocacy visits, collaboration with the State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN), and building coalitions that highlighted the links between maternity leave, exclusive breastfeeding, and reduced malnutrition. Other vital contributors include UNICEF, which has intensified advocacy, provided technical support, and mobilized media for awareness; the Wife of the Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, serving as State Breastfeeding Champion; the State Planning Commission led by Dr. Bong Duke; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Dr. Inyang Asking; the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency; and various local focal persons and community leaders who drove grassroots sensitization. Together, these stakeholders turned data and dialogue into tangible policy change.

The Urgent Context: Where Cross River Stood

Prior to recent gains, Cross River faced significant challenges in infant and young child nutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates were alarmingly low, hovering around 7% in 2021 according to available data. This meant the vast majority of infants under six months were not receiving the optimal nutrition and protection afforded by exclusive breastfeeding, exposing them to higher risks of infections, poor growth, and developmental setbacks.

Like many parts of Nigeria, the state grappled with child malnutrition. Nationally, nearly two out of every three children under five are not exclusively breastfed, contributing to high levels of stunting, wasting, and underweight. In Cross River, these issues translated into lost potential: malnourished children face higher mortality risks and long-term impairments in cognitive and physical development, perpetuating cycles of poverty and reduced productivity.

Thankfully, concerted efforts have yielded results. By 2024, exclusive breastfeeding rates in Cross River had risen significantly to 22%, representing an impressive improvement driven by advocacy, sensitization, and policy support.

Long-Term Benefits: Investing in Exclusive Breastfeeding for State Development

The long-term effects of higher rates of exclusively breastfed children are profound and far-reaching. Breast milk provides complete nutrition, antibodies, and bioactive factors that protect against diarrhoea, pneumonia, and other childhood illnesses while supporting optimal brain development. Children who are exclusively breastfed for six months tend to achieve better cognitive outcomes, stronger immune systems, and healthier growth trajectories.

For Cross River State, scaling up exclusive breastfeeding through policies like the six-month paid maternity leave promises a healthier, smarter, and more productive workforce in the coming decades. Reduced malnutrition will lower healthcare costs, decrease child mortality, and improve school performance. A well-nourished population drives economic growth, innovation, and social stability. This is an investment in human capital that will yield dividends for generations, positioning Cross River as a leader in child nutrition and sustainable development in Nigeria.

As we celebrate Breastfeeding Week, let us renew our commitment to supporting mothers, enforcing supportive policies, and continuing multi-stakeholder collaboration. To every mother in Cross River: your dedication to breastfeeding is building a stronger state. To Governor Otu and all partners: thank you for championing this cause. Together, we can ensure every child receives the best possible start in life. 

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

Nkem Ubana

Kebe Ikpi