From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The FHI 360 Alive & Thrive project, a global nutrition initiative, has concluded its Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) project intervention in Kaduna State, leaving a lasting impact on thousands of mothers and children.
The project, which was implemented in partnership with the Kaduna State Government, aimed to strengthen nutrition systems and practices and improve the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents.
Speaking during the close-up ceremony in Kaduna yesterday, the State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmed, surmised that A&T has been a strong partner to the State, working hand in hand with the Ministry of Health to enhance infant and young child nutrition across all 23 Local Government Areas.
Represented by the Deputy Director in the Ministry, Dr. Maryam Apanpa, the Commissioner added that the state sincerely appreciates A&T for their partnership, dedication, and impact.
In her remarks, the State Nutrition Officer (SNO), Mrs. Ramatu Haruna, applauded A&T’s efforts in preventing Malnutrition among pregnant women and children in Kaduna State, which has helped in curbing anemia during the lifespan of the project.
According to her number of children who were breastfed exclusively from the last survey, was 19.9 percent, but the current survey shows it has risen to 41 percent all thanks to the good work of A&T.
She assured that the state government will implement the sustainability plans developed by A&T holistically
Speaking earlier, the State Team Lead of A&T, Mrs. Sarah Didi Kwasu, said, “Today, we reflect on our project’s achievements, discuss lessons learned, and explore future directions.
“ Our MIYCN & MMS intervention has made a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of mothers and children, improving their nutrition and health outcomes.”
Similarly, the Program Officer of A&T Victoria Adams said that the Alive & Thrive (A&T) initiative, a global nutrition program managed by FHI 360 and supported by the Gates Foundation, is working to improve the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents in Nigeria.
She explained that despite progress made, Nigeria continues to experience slow progress towards global nutrition targets, with high rates of anemia, low exclusive breastfeeding rates, and inadequate dietary diversity among children.
According to her the initiative supports Kaduna State governments and local partners to deliver high-quality maternal nutrition and infant and young child feeding services through various strategies including maternal nutrition and MMS, health systems
strengthening, community engagement, policy, and enabling environment, mass communication, and research and learning.
“The A&T initiative has made significant progress in improving MIYCN practices and outcomes in Kaduna state.
“ The initiative remains committed to advancing maternal, infant, and young child nutrition in Nigeria by scaling up interventions such as MMS, strengthening systems, and fostering government ownership.
“By doing so, the initiative aims to ensure healthier outcomes for women and children and contribute to national development.”
The Senior Technical Advisor from the country Office of A&T, Mr. Olumide Faleke, tasked the Kaduna state government on sustainability and adhering to the gains of the MIYCH project.
