RismadarVoice Reporters, August 3, 2026
The Rivers State Ministry of Health has described breastfeeding as a critical public health intervention capable of giving children a healthy start in life.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, represented by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr Ndubuisi Akpu, stated this during the commemoration of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week in Port Harcourt.
Dr Akpu said breastfeeding provides complete nutrition for infants during the first six months of life, strengthens immunity, protects children against common illnesses and supports optimal growth and brain development.
He added that breastfeeding significantly reduces infant illness and mortality, while also providing important health benefits to mothers, including reducing the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
According to him, breastfeeding also offers environmental and economic benefits, describing it as one of the most sustainable and cost-effective ways of promoting child and maternal health.
The ministry, he said, remains committed to promoting optimal infant and young-child feeding practices through policy implementation, capacity building for healthcare workers, community engagement and collaboration with development partners.
The keynote speaker, Professor Alice Nte, who spoke on the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” urged mothers to breastfeed their children for up to two years, highlighting the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding.
RismadarVoice Reporters gathered that the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, Dr Vetty Agala, as well as representatives of the World Health Organisation, civil society organisations and the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, pledged continued collaboration with the state government to promote and support breastfeeding across Rivers State.
