The Benue State Government has flagged off activities to mark the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week and launched the ‘First 1,000 Days Campaign’ aimed at tackling malnutrition among mothers and children across the state.
- +Food insecurity, poor sanitation worsening malnutrition in Benue IDP camps
This is even as Paul Ogwuche, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, expressed concern over the high burden of malnutrition in the State, especially in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps where food insecurity, poor sanitation and limited livelihoods have worsened acute malnutrition.
This is even as Paul Ogwuche, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, expressed concern over the high burden of malnutrition in the State, especially in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps where food insecurity, poor sanitation and limited livelihoods have worsened acute malnutrition.
The event, which was held at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, Makurdi, was organised by the State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Human Services, UNICEF and other development partners.
The 2026 global theme is “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life Strengthen What WORKS” and it focuses on the role of breastfeeding in child survival, optimal growth, immunity and sustainable development.
Breastfeeding remains one of the most effective, affordable and evidence-based interventions for reducing infant mortality and preventing malnutrition.
He described the launch of the First 1,000 Days Campaign as a major milestone, adding that the period from conception to a child’s second birthday is critical for physical growth, brain development, learning capacity and future productivity.
Ogwuche noted that proper maternal nutrition, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and appropriate complementary feeding thereafter are key to achieving this.
I also want to express concern over the high burden of malnutrition in Benue, especially in Internally Displaced Persons IDP) camps where food insecurity, poor sanitation and limited livelihoods have worsened acute malnutrition”
The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration to strengthening nutrition services in Primary Health Care facilities through the expansion of Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition, CMAM, promotion of Infant and Young Child Feeding, IYCF, practices, and improved access to life-saving nutrition commodities.
He commended UNICEF, WHO, Helen Keller International and other partners for their technical and financial support, and also applauded health workers, volunteers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media for promoting exclusive breastfeeding.
Ogwuche, however, urged mothers to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of delivery, practice exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continue alongside complementary foods up to two years and beyond.
He called on fathers, employers and community leaders to create supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers.
He added that the newly launched First 1,000 Days Campaign posters will serve as advocacy and behavioural change tools to promote healthy nutrition practices.
Business Day gathered that the week-long celebration will feature advocacy, awareness and community mobilisation activities across the state in line with Governor Alia’s vision to provide accessible and quality healthcare for all citizens.
