The Kwara State Ministry of Health, with support from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the World Bank (ANRiN project), launched a crucial training program today aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition in the state.
The “Training of Trainers on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN)” program kicked off at Fresh Hotel Ilorin with opening remarks by Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, the Honorable Commissioner for Health. Dr. El-Imam emphasized the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood, highlighting the critical window of the first 1,000 days for optimal development.
“Inadequate nutrition has far-reaching consequences,” Dr. El-Imam stated, “including developmental delays, impaired learning, and increased risk of chronic diseases.”
The program aims to equip healthcare workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide effective MIYCN counseling and support to mothers and children. These trained individuals will then cascade their expertise to health facilities across Kwara State.
Dr. Yakub Jaja, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Planning Affairs and Chairman of the Kwara State Committee on Nutrition, expressed his appreciation to the Governor for his support of the program. He emphasized the Governor’s commitment to improving the well-being of Kwara residents through investments in healthcare.
Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, Director of Public Health at the Kwara State Ministry of Health, highlighted the critical role of proper nutrition in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. He emphasized the importance of this training program in equipping participants to educate mothers and girls across the state on best practices.
Dr. Bankole Gbenga, the State Nutrition Officer, echoed the concerns about the negative effects of malnutrition on both infants and adolescents. He applauded the training program’s potential to improve the counseling skills of healthcare workers who will support nursing mothers and young women.
This initiative signifies a significant step towards achieving better nutrition outcomes in Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole. By equipping healthcare workers with the necessary knowledge and skills, the program aims to empower them to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of mothers and children.
