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Stakeholders in the Kwara State health sector have called for the sustenance of Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria, ANRiN project in the interest of children under the age of five, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
They made the call at an exit meeting for non state actors, community volunteers and other stakeholders who participated in the ANRiN project in Kwara State.
Addressing participants, the State Commissioner for Health, Amina El-Imam explained that the intervention programme which sought to address nutritional needs of children and pregnant mothers, had for the past four years witnessed remarkable transformation.
“Our children have received several doses of vitamin A, Zinc, ORS, deworming drugs and several doses of micronutrient powder all of which have made them grow stronger, healthier and more energetic. Pregnant mothers have gained vital knowledge and resources to ensure that their babies are given the best possible start in life. It is moments like these that reaffirm our commitment to the well- being of our communities.”
Hajia El-Imam, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Hajia Adenike Ibrahim, described the first phase of the project successful and commended the World Bank, the State Government, implementing partners, volunteers and other stakeholders for their support.
“As we move forward, it is important to recognize that while this program may be concluding, our work is far from over. The foundation we have built is one that can and should be expanded. Let us carry forward the knowledge and enthusiasm we have gained and continue to advocate for and support nutritional well-being in our communities.”
Participants
Earlier, the State Technical Advisor to the World Bank, Dr Afeez Ishowo said the nutrition intervention programme was in response to a 2013 survey which showed that some children lacked access to basic nutritional foods necessary for brain development and growth.
Programme Director, Solina Health, the implementing partner in Kwara State, Dr Daniel Abraham, and the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Dr Fatoye Francis, gave a breakdown of their activities during the project execution and emphasized the need to commence the next phase of the project soon for the wellbeing of beneficiaries.
By Rasheedat Iliyas
