Hussaini Ibrahim Kafi in Kano
In a bid to improve child nutrition and health outcomes, the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Bank-assisted Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ARIN) project, has organized a 16-day training program for 722 primary health care workers in Katsina State.
The training, focused on Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN), is part of ongoing efforts to promote preventive health measures and create awareness in local communities.
The MIYCN campaign targets the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, emphasizing the critical importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood.
The program aims to promote new feeding practices, raise awareness about the significance of good nutrition, and ultimately improve nutritional outcomes for children.
Speaking at the event, facilitators underscored the significance of improving maternal and child nutrition, noting that poor diets during pregnancy can lead to severe health challenges for both mothers and children.
The training will equip health workers with the knowledge to cascade essential nutrition practices to local communities, enhancing maternal, infant, and child health.
The initiative also aims to address challenges such as the lack of commitment from some authorities, highlighting the importance of counseling mothers, infants, and young children as an effective intervention for promoting long-term health.
The participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge gained to encourage healthier feeding habits and boost the survival and development of children in their care.
This new strategy, supported by both the federal government and the World Bank, is seen as a critical step toward improving the health and development of Nigeria’s youngest citizens.
