UNICEF, Imo Partner to Tackle Maternal Malnutrition, Improve Child Health
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The United Nations Children’s Fund, in partnership with the Imo State Government and supported by the Gates Foundation, has intensified efforts to strengthen maternal and child nutrition services across the state.
Speaking in Owerri during a stakeholders’ meeting involving the state Ministry of Health, the Imo Primary Healthcare Development Agency and UNICEF, the Chief of UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office, Juliet Chiluwe, said the engagement focused on validating Imo State’s Nutrition Social Behaviour Change Strategy and integrating Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation for pregnant women.
Chiluwe described the supplementation programme as “a cost-effective intervention that helps reduce anaemia, low birth weight, stillbirths, and other adverse maternal and child health outcomes.”
She commended the Imo State Government for prioritising investments in healthcare, nutrition and human capital development while reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the state’s nutrition agenda.
Chiluwe also called for stronger state ownership and increased domestic financing to sustain nutrition interventions.
“We encourage greater State investment in the Child Nutrition Fund to support the procurement of MMS and other essential nutrition commodities,” she said.
“This will strengthen sustainability, unlock additional partner support, and ensure continued access to life-saving nutrition interventions for women and children.”
Commissioner for Health, Chioma Egu, explained that the Social Behaviour Change strategy was designed to encourage healthier nutrition practices among families while promoting proper maternal nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding and timely healthcare access.
“By integrating MMS into our SBC framework, we are ensuring that pregnant women across Imo not only have access to these essential supplements but also understand their importance and are empowered to utilise them appropriately,” she said.
“When a pregnant woman in a rural community receives MMS, she is not just taking a supplement – she is taking a step toward a healthier pregnancy, a stronger baby, and a brighter future for her family.”
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Mirian Gom 