The Cross River State Government, through the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), has successfully concluded a five-day strategic workshop aimed at domesticating national nutrition and Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) strategies to reflect the socio-cultural realities of the state.
The workshop, which held at Dannic Hotels in Calabar, brought together government officials, development partners, public health experts, and technical officers to review existing national frameworks and adapt them into workable strategies that will strengthen nutrition programming and health service delivery across Cross River State.
The closing session was attended by the Director General of CRSPHCDA, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk (JP), alongside representatives of development agencies and implementing partners.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health explained that the workshop was designed to transform policy ideas into practical frameworks capable of addressing nutrition challenges and promoting healthy behavioural practices across communities in the state.
According to him, the documents and technical recommendations developed during the five-day engagement will serve as operational guides for implementing nutrition interventions and Social and Behaviour Change strategies across the state’s health sector.
He stressed that the collaborative process reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that health policies translate into tangible results for citizens rather than remaining theoretical frameworks.
A major highlight of the closing session was the formal adoption of all technical documents and strategic recommendations developed during the workshop. Specific responsibilities were assigned to relevant institutions and officers, while timelines were established to ensure effective implementation and accountability.
Dr. Ayuk reaffirmed the commitment of the Cross River State Government to strengthening the healthcare system and improving the wellbeing of residents.
He noted that the outcomes of the workshop would help enhance health service delivery across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas, particularly in the areas of maternal, child, and community health.
Participants at the workshop also emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between government institutions and development partners in addressing nutrition challenges and promoting healthy practices at the community level.
The strategic engagement concluded on a positive note, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the adopted frameworks will accelerate progress toward improved nutrition outcomes and stronger community health systems in Cross River State.
The initiative aligns with the broader vision of the state government’s “Season of Sweetness” agenda, which prioritizes policies and programs aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens through strengthened social services and inclusive development.
