As part of activities to mark World Breastfeeding Week 2026, health workers in Cross River State on Sunday took the campaign to churches across Calabar, sensitizing congregations on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for infant survival 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 teams.

At the Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church, Egerton Street Calabar, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Coordinator, Cross River State Primary Health Development Agency, Margaret Anashie told worshippers that breast milk remains the first and most complete food for babies in the first six months.

“Breastfeeding should start within the first hour of birth, be exclusive for the first six months, and continue with safe complementary foods up to two years or beyond,” she said.
“Breast milk is free, it protects against diarrhea, pneumonia, and boosts the baby’s brain development. No water, no pap, no formula for the first 6 months.”

She urged fathers, mothers-in-law and church leaders to support nursing mothers instead of pressuring them to introduce other foods early.

At The Foursquare Gospel  Church, MCC Road, Calabar, the State Nutrition Officer, Mrs Nkem Ubana Eyong  addressed harmful cultural beliefs that discourage exclusive breastfeeding.

“Some people say ‘the baby will be thirsty’ or ‘your milk is not enough.’ That is misinformation,” he said. “When we put babies on breast only for 6 months, we reduce hospital visits, we reduce child deaths, and we build a healthier generation.”

He called on pastors to use their platforms to correct myths and to create  “breastfeeding-friendly churches” where nursing mothers are given privacy and support during services.

Rev. Fr. Charles Etim  of Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church, who responded with the popular and evergreen “Sweet Mother” song by the late Prince Nico Mbarga and was joined by the entire congregation, thanked the health team and pledged to include breastfeeding messages in weekly announcements.

“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.

The sensitization is part of statewide activities for World Breastfeeding Week 2026, August 1-7, coordinated by the State Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF and other partners.

Nutrition Officer, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Winifred Ogar, said the church platform was chosen because “this is where families gather, where decisions about babies are made.”

“We are strengthening what works: community support, correct information, and policy implementation like maternity protection and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative,” she added.

Health workers  engaged women’s groups after services, with plans to extend the outreach to mosques and community town halls throughout the week.

The Ministry urged residents to verify any medical advice on infant feeding with approved health facilities and to report unprofessional practices.