THE Benue Government has inaugurated the First 1,000 Days Campaign materials to strengthen maternal, infant and young child nutrition as part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.
The campaign was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, during the World Breastfeeding Week celebration with the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
Speaking, the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, reaffirmed the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to improving maternal and child health in the state.
He described the first 1,000 days – from conception to a child’s second birthday – as critical to growth, brain development and lifelong productivity.
The Chief Medical Director of BSUTH, Dr Vitalis Hwande, commended the state government for investing in healthcare.
He called for sustained support for maternal and child health services, while encouraging more hospital deliveries to improve birth registration and health outcomes.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, the Director of Child Development, Mrs Janet Daagba, said breastfeeding remains vital to child survival, nutrition and immunity.
She urged families and communities to promote the practice beyond health facilities.
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Paediatrics, BSUTH, Dr Onyilo Ogbu, described breastfeeding as one of the best investments in a child’s future and officially inaugurated the First 1,000 Days Campaign materials.
In his keynote lecture, Prof. Edwin Eseigbe with the Pediatric Centre, BSUTH stressed the nutritional, emotional and developmental benefits of breastfeeding.
He called for stronger interventions, increased funding and intensified efforts to tackle malnutrition.
Representatives of UNICEF, the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Helen Keller International, the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria and other partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting breastfeeding and child nutrition initiatives in the state.
The event featured an interactive session with mothers on exclusive breastfeeding and a call for residents to participate in a breastfeeding awareness road walk as part of the week-long celebration.(NAN)
A.I
Aug. 4, 2026
Tags: 2026 World Breastfeeding Week. Benue State University Teaching Hospital BSUTH Dr Onyilo Ogbu Dr Paul Ogwuche Dr Vitalis Hwande Mrs Janet Daagba
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