Bayelsa, UNICEF Launch ₦280 Million Nutrition Programme to Combat Child Malnutrition
Oluwafunbi Bello 
YENAGOA, Nigeria – The Bayelsa State Government, in partnership with UNICEF and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has launched a ₦280 million nutrition intervention aimed at reducing malnutrition among pregnant women and children during the critical first 1,000 days of life.
The one-year programme, inaugurated in Yenagoa on Tuesday, is jointly funded by the Bayelsa State Government and UNICEF with ₦140 million each, while The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is providing implementation support.
Speaking at the launch, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Lagos, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, described the first 1,000 days—from conception to a child’s second birthday—as the most critical period for healthy physical growth, brain development and lifelong wellbeing.
She cited findings from the 2024 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) showing that more than one in four Nigerian children are stunted, while nearly half of pregnant women are anaemic, underscoring the urgency of expanding nutrition interventions.
“This project is designed to ensure children receive the nutrition and care they need before health problems become irreversible,” Lafoucriere said.
Representing the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, the Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Williams Appah, said the intervention will initially be implemented in four local government areas.
He noted that although the state has introduced several initiatives to tackle child malnutrition, the additional funding and expanded community engagement would strengthen ongoing efforts and ensure that vulnerable mothers and children receive timely nutrition support.
Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area, Mr. Golden Jeremiah, described the intervention as timely, praising UNICEF and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for supporting Bayelsa’s efforts to improve child survival and maternal wellbeing.
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Korede Abdullah 
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