The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr. Vetty Agala, has described breastfeeding as essential to giving every child a healthy and sustainable start in life.
Dr. Agala remarked as the world marks the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated annually from August 1 to 7.
As part of activities to commemorate the week, Dr. Agala joined healthcare professionals and stakeholders at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Garrison Annex, on August 3, during an event organised by the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
She also featured on a live phone-in programme on Grace Impact Radio, where she highlighted the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and maternal healthcare. Later, she participated in another awareness programme organised by the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (PHCMB) in Ogu Town, the headquarters of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area.
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In a statement signed by Dr. Agala and issued by RIVCHPP, the agency stressed that every child deserves the best possible start in life, describing breastfeeding as one of the greatest gifts a mother can give.
“A healthy start begins at birth. At RIVCHPP, we believe every mother and child deserves access to quality healthcare from pregnancy through infancy,” the statement read.
Dr. Agala noted that the agency’s health insurance packages are designed to ensure residents can access quality healthcare whenever needed.
Speaking at the event in Ogu Town, she reaffirmed RIVCHPP’s commitment to improving maternal and child health through expanded health insurance coverage.
“At RIVCHPP, we are concerned about the health of our mothers and children. We recognise that breastfeeding is critical for a sustainable start in life for our children. We are committed to expanding health insurance coverage for mothers, children, and everyone living and doing business in Rivers State,” she said.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed globally to promote breastfeeding as a vital foundation for lifelong health and improved child survival.If you’d like, I can also provide 5–10 newspaper-style headline options for this story.
