The Cross River State Government has officially flagged off the 2025 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week with a strong call for collective action toward improving maternal and child health outcomes in the state.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, wife of the Governor of Cross River State emphasized the importance of the MNCH week, which is aimed at delivering an integrated package of highly cost-effective maternal and child health services. She noted that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the 2007 Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Strategy and is held twice yearly in June and November through facility-based service delivery.
“The specific objective of MNCH Week focuses on reducing maternal, perinatal, infant, and childhood mortality while promoting the health and psychological development of the child and adolescent within the family,” she said.
Eyoanwan stressed the need for government at all levels, health workers, public health experts, and community stakeholders to continue advocating for the utilization of routine services and improved household health practices.
She raised concerns over increasing nutrition-related challenges among children and called on all to support Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) practices.
During the week-long campaign, several key interventions are being implemented. These include sensitization and counseling on Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) and hand-washing practices; nutritional assessments of children under five using MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) and weighing scales; Vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6–59 months; deworming of children aged 12–59 months; and routine immunization.
Other interventions include iron and folic acid supplementation for pregnant women; distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) to pregnant women; antenatal care services, family planning, HIV testing and counseling; as well as monitoring and advocacy visits.
She commending Governor Bassey Otu for his leadership, as well as appreciating development partners, ministries, agencies, and the media for their contributions to the success of the campaign.and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage for all mothers, children, and families across Cross River State.
the Commissioner for Health,Cross River State Dr. Henry Ayuk, emphasized that if properly adhered to, this approach would ensure healthier mothers and children and pledged the ministry commitment with development partners not to relent in their efforts to promote and sustain the routine immunization and other health benefits to the citizens.
Also speaking on the importance of the health exercise in the lives of mothers and children, the Director General primary Health care Development Agency Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu observed that the well-being of our mothers, newborns, and young children has faced significant challenges; “Today, we turn a new page, this initiative, targeting our precious children aged 0 to 59 months and all pregnant women across the state, represents a comprehensive approach to ensuring they receive the essential healthcare and nutritional support they deserve”.
Continuing “We are talking about vital interventions such as immunization, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, antenatal care, and critical health education that empowers our communities”, she added.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Hilary Bisong; on his part while applauding the great support of the first lady in helping government attain some of her milestones particularly in health said the house remains resolute to passing enabling laws that will improve the health needs of the citizens.
Present to witness the flag-off was the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, who encouraged routine immunizations of children as a measure to avert preventable sicknesses and deaths.
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