The Cross River State Government has raised concerns over the alarming statistics from the National Demographic Health Survey, revealing that 23 percent of children in the state were stunted in growth due to malnutrition.
This condition affects one in every four children under five, prompting a call for standardized infant feeding practices in families across the state.
The wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Eyoanwan Otu, while flagging off the Optimized Maternal ,Newborn and Child Health Week in collaboration with UNICEF, said the week aims at implementing key nutrition strategies to combat these concerning trends.
Eyoanwan Otu also highlighted the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and advised against the introduction of water to infants in their early months.
The Director General of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Vivian Mesembe also addressed critical health issues during the event, noting that Cross River State faced maternal mortality ratio of 1,200 per 100,000 live births, surpassing the National average of 1,100 per 100,000.
UNICEF’s Chief of the Field Office at Enugu State, Juliet Chiluwe, underscored the importance of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth to prevent malnutrition and reduce infant mortality.
The event also featured a town hall meeting with Community Leaders and the distribution of Mother and Child Care Kits to expectant mothers, reinforcing the state’s commitment to improve maternal and child health.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
