08/07/2025
Cross River State launched its Optimized Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week, Round 1, today, led by Her Excellency, Bishop (Dr.) Mrs. Eyoanwan Itam Bassey Otu.
Earlier today, July 7, 2025, the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Health and partners, officially flagged off the first round of the Optimized Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW). The event, held at the Dr. Franklin Ani Hall, College of Health Technology, Calabar, saw the wife of the Governor of Cross River State and Nutrition Champion, Her Excellency Bishop (Dr.) Mrs. Eyoanwan Itam Bassey Otu, lead the ceremony.
Her Excellency, Bishop (Dr.) Mrs. Eyoanwan Itam Bassey Otu, reaffirmed the State's commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers and children. She emphasized the importance of collective effort from all stakeholders—government, development partners, community leaders, and the private sector—to ensure equitable access to essential health services. As a Nutrition Champion, she highlighted the urgent need to combat malnutrition and promote healthy practices such as exclusive breastfeeding and maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN).
The biannual campaign, aligned with the National Integrated MNCH Strategy, aims to expand access to life-saving, cost-effective interventions for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under five across the State.
This week, communities will benefit from a range of free services, including routine immunizations, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, antenatal care, distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets, malaria prevention, iron and folic acid supplementation, family planning, and HIV testing and counseling. Highlighting the theme, “Health is a Shared Responsibility,” Her Excellency declared, “A healthy state is a wealthy state.”
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the Obong of Calabar, Natural Ruler, Treaty King of the Efik Kingdom, and Defender of the Christian Faith, and his Queen, whose support continues to strengthen community engagement around public health efforts.
Her Excellency extended heartfelt appreciation to the Cross River State Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, media partners, development partners (Nutrition International, UNICEF, World Health Organization, Zipline, and CCRIN), and all stakeholders for their unwavering support.
Remarks from the Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA)
In her opening speech, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, expressed immense joy and profound purpose for the flag-off ceremony. She stated, "This is not merely an event; it is a declaration of our unwavering commitment to the health and prosperity of every family in Cross River State." Dr. Otu acknowledged the significant challenges faced in the well-being of mothers, newborns, and young children, emphasizing that this initiative represents a comprehensive approach to ensuring they receive essential healthcare and nutritional support. She highlighted vital interventions such as immunization, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, antenatal care, and critical health education.
Dr. Otu extended deep gratitude to the invaluable partners—Nutrition International, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, Zipline, and CCRIN—for their dedication, technical expertise, and financial support, recognizing them as the bedrock upon which the week's success and long-term goals will be built. She also thanked the Cross River State Ministry of Health for their relentless collaboration and shared vision.
Addressing Her Excellency, Dr. Otu remarked, "Your passion and unwavering commitment as our Nutrition Champion have illuminated our path. Your presence here today sends a powerful message across Cross River State: that the health of our mothers and children is not just a priority, but the very foundation of our future. We are truly honored by your leadership." She urged everyone to commit to reaching every child and pregnant woman in every community, ensuring no one is left behind, as "The future of Cross River State rests on the health and vitality of our youngest citizens." Dr. Otu concluded with a poignant quote: "The silent whispers of a child’s health echo the loudest truth of a nation’s heart."
Additional Remarks and Activities
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, also delivered opening remarks, further underscoring the state government's dedication to improving health outcomes for mothers and children. Representatives from all other partners and MDAs of government who graced the occasion also shared their commitment and support for the initiative.
A significant highlight of the event was the symbolic vaccination exercise.
Her Excellency, Bishop (Dr.) Mrs. Eyoanwan Itam Bassey Otu, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, and his Queen, the Director General of CRSPHCDA, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Nursing Education, the Nutrition International representative in Cross River State, and all other partners actively participated in administering vaccinations. Following the vaccinations, "mama kits" were presented to vaccinated babies and pregnant women, providing essential supplies for maternal and child care.
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