In a major push to boost child health and survival across the nation, a delegation from the World Breastfeeding Week Planning Committee paid an advocacy visit to the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Tuesday, seeking strategic partnership to combat childhood malnutrition.
The delegation, led by Mr. Ambrose Evhoesor, comprised key stakeholders from the Nutrition Department of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, and prominent Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Speaking during the meeting at the CAN National Secretariat in Abuja, Mr. Evhoesor stressed the critical need for multi-sectoral collaboration to safeguard the health of Nigerian children. He highlighted that promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life remains one of the most effective, cost-effective measures to prevent severe acute malnutrition and lower infant mortality rates.
“Malnutrition remains a silent crisis affecting our children’s physical and cognitive development,” Evhoesor noted. “By investing in nutrition and ensuring our mothers are supported to practice exclusive breastfeeding, we are laying the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous nation. Faith-based organizations like CAN possess the grassroots reach and moral authority to champion this life-saving message to millions of families.”
The advocacy team called on faith leaders to integrate messages on maternal nutrition, proper child feeding practices, and early childhood care into their sermons, community programs, and women’s ministry activities.
The joint committee was received on behalf of the CAN leadership by a senior delegation of national officers, headed by Dean Rev. Ozumba Nicodemus, the National Director of Education, Women, and Youth Development. Joining him were Bishop Mike Akpami, the National Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, the CAN National Treasurer.
In his remarks, Very Rev. Dean Ozumba Nicodemus commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its partners for their proactive efforts. He reassured the committee of CAN’s commitment to championing initiatives that promote public health and social welfare.
“We welcome this partnership and assure you that CAN, through its extensive networks—especially among women and youth groups—will actively support the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and proper nutrition in our communities.”
Rev. Nicodemus Stated
Echoing his sentiment, Bishop Mike Akpami emphasized the importance of data-driven community mobilization, while Dr. Celestine Aharanwa stressed that investing in child nutrition is a shared moral and economic imperative for the nation.
The advocacy visit forms part of the nationwide activities organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its partners to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week, with an event forthcoming; all aimed at aligning key institutional and community leaders behind national nutrition goals.
