The Ibom Open Maternity Project has expanded its maternal and child healthcare intervention to 20 Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State, reaching thousands of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children under five.

The 2026 intervention, which formed part of activities marking World Breastfeeding Week, ended in Uyo with stakeholders calling for sustained support to address malnutrition and improve maternal and child health outcomes across the state.

Across Akwa Ibom, thousands of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children under five have been reached through this year’s Ibom Open Maternity Project, as stakeholders push for stronger measures to tackle malnutrition and improve maternal and child health.

Beyond the interventions already delivered, stakeholders at the grand finale say the challenges identified during the outreach require sustained solutions.

The Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Eno Attah, called for stronger support for breastfeeding mothers, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding for children.

The Chairman of Uyo Local Government, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, said local governments would continue to invest in primary healthcare and collaborate with partners to improve health outcomes at the grassroots.

For mothers who participated in the programme, the campaign also provided encouragement to sustain exclusive breastfeeding and share its benefits with other women.

The organisers say the expansion of the project from seven to 20 LGAs demonstrates the value of collaboration among government agencies, health organisations and other partners in taking maternal and child healthcare interventions to the grassroots. (Channels)