2026 IOM: Stakeholders Deepen Advocacy For Exclusive Breastfeeding, Proper Child Nutrition

By Patrick Titus, Uyo

Stakeholders in child development and care as well as safer motherhood have intensified advocacy for exclusive breastfeeding, proper child nutrition, responsible family planning and increased utilisation of primary healthcare centres to improve maternal and child health outcomes across Akwa Ibom State.
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These highlighted the significance of
the 2026 Ibom Open Maternity (IOM) Medical Mission, held at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Ikot Ebido Oku, Uyo Local Government Area of the state.

The event was part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, organised under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

It was implemented in collaboration with Carelife Character Foundation and other IOM partners, including the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), ALGON, WALGON and Helen Keller International.
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‎Speaking at the event, the wife of the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area and President of the Wives of All Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (WALGON), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mrs Akaninyene Uwemedimo, urged mothers and pregnant women to make primary healthcare centres their first point of call whenever they require medical attention.
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‎“Let the primary healthcare centre be your first point of call whenever you need medical attention, because the government has put in place a referral system that will take you to a general hospital when necessary,” she said.
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‎Mrs Uwemedimo said the health and wellbeing of mothers and children remained a priority, noting that strengthening maternal and child healthcare would help reduce pressure on hospitals while ensuring healthier families.
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‎She commended the State Governor,
Pastor Umo Eno, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Nobel Lady Helen Obareki, Chairman, State’s Chapter of of ALGON, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, and the Director of CareLife Foundation, Dr. Aniekeme George, for supporting programmes aimed at improving the health and nutrition of women and children.

She encouraged pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics regularly and undergo routine medical screening to prevent complications.
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‎Earlier, the Team Lead of GIFA, Pastor Anne Abraham, said the Ibom Open Maternity Outreach was established to bring essential healthcare services, education and support closer to women in their communities.

She assured expectant mothers of access to free and quality delivery services, encouraged regular antenatal attendance, urging mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months to support healthy growth and development.
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‎Pastor Abraham further advocated responsible parenthood through family planning and advised young people against teenage pregnancy, stressing the need for maturity and adequate preparation before starting a family.

Also speaking, the wife of the former chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Mrs Uwem Joyful Monday, encouraged mothers to sustain breastfeeding, describing breast milk as a child’s first immunisation and a natural source of essential nutrients for healthy growth and development.

In the same vein, the Coordinator of the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, Mrs Mercy Eka, stressed the importance of colostrum, urging mothers not to discard the first breast milk produced after childbirth. She also advised nursing mothers to maintain proper hygiene while breastfeeding to protect themselves and their babies from infections.
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‎Nutritionist, Mrs Blessing Affia emphasised the importance of patience and consistency in feeding children, particularly those who are nutritionally vulnerable, urging parents and caregivers to adopt creative approaches that encourage healthy eating while providing nutritious, energy-dense meals frequently to support children’s growth and overall wellbeing.
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‎The Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Nsikak Okon, commended the initiative for its contribution to maternal, newborn and child healthcare, noting that its expansion across local government areas has improved access to healthcare information, nutrition education and breastfeeding support, while pledging continued media advocacy for maternal and child health awareness.
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‎Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the organisers and partners for bringing healthcare services and maternal support closer to the communities, describing the outreach as a timely intervention for mothers, expectant women and children in Uyo Local Government Area.
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‎The event featured free medical examinations, including the provision of drugs, and the distribution of GIFA Patcare Packs provided through the Office of the First Lady, as well as support packages donated by the wife of the Uyo Local Government Council Chairman, Mrs Akaninyene Uwemedimo.
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