Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot
Residents of 20 Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State are set to benefit from free integrated healthcare services as the Ibom Open Maternity (IOM) Coalition has concluded arrangements for the 2026 Ibom Open Maternity Project in commemoration of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.
The coalition announced that the medical outreach will run from August 3 to August 13, 2026, following a review of its initial implementation plan.
According to the IOM Core Technical Team, some Local Government Areas originally listed for the programme were dropped to enable the coalition channel available resources toward delivering a more impactful intervention in the final 20 benefiting LGAs.
Activities will officially commence on Saturday, August 1, with an Advocacy Road Walk in Uyo aimed at creating public awareness and mobilizing residents for the World Breastfeeding Week celebration and the statewide medical mission.
The outreach will begin on August 3 in Ukanafun and Oruk Anam, before moving to Ikono and Ini on August 4, Nsit Ibom and Nsit Ubium on August 5, Oron and Urue-Offong/Oruko on August 6, Ikot Abasi and Mkpat Enin on August 7, and Nsit Atai and Ibesikpo Asutan on August 8. After a one-day break, medical teams will continue the exercise in Itu and Ibiono Ibom on August 10, Esit Eket and Ibeno on August 11, Abak and Ika on August 12, before concluding in Ikot Ekpene and Essien Udim on August 13.
The programme will climax with a grand finale in Uyo on August 14, marking the end of two weeks of free medical consultations, maternal and child health interventions, public health education, and advocacy activities designed to promote healthier families and communities across the state.
Speaking on the initiative, the Team Lead and Coordinator of the Ibom Open Maternity Project, Aniekeme George, said the coalition remains committed to expanding access to quality healthcare for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and other vulnerable groups. He encouraged residents of the participating Local Government Areas to take advantage of the free services, noting that the intervention is intended to reduce maternal and infant mortality while improving health outcomes across Akwa Ibom State.
George also expressed appreciation to partner organizations, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as the chairmen of the participating Local Government Areas for their collaboration and support, describing their contributions as instrumental to the successful planning and implementation of the 2026 Ibom Open Maternity Project.
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