The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has organised a 3-day capacity-building training on Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQLNS) and Micronutrient Powder (MNP) for Nutrition Focal Persons and stakeholders from secondary and tertiary health system, aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition outcomes across the state.
The State Training of Trainers (STOT) programme, held at Fresh Hotel, Ilorin, from April 8 to 10, brought together participants from across the local government areas of the state.
While delivering her welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), Professor Nusirat Elelu, urged participants to make the most of the training by effectively cascading the knowledge acquired to nutrition officers across their respective facilities and local government areas.
She emphasised the critical role of nutrition in achieving better health outcomes, disclosing that in 2025 alone, about 1.6 million children received Vitamin A supplementation, while over 500,000 pregnant women benefited from various nutritional interventions across the state.
She commended the progress made by the local government areas while encouraging them to intensify efforts in complementing the vision of the present administration towards building a healthier Kwara.
Professor Elelu also reaffirmed the commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whom she described as a proactive and health-conscious leader, for providing adequate nutrition, especially the less-privileged across the state.
She noted that the release of counterpart funds for the biannual Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week underscores the government’s dedication to the wellbeing of its citizens.
The training featured technical sessions facilitated by development partners and national experts, including representatives from UNICEF Kaduna Field Office and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW).
A Nutrition Specialist from UNICEF Kaduna, Madam Chinwe Ezeife, led sessions on Micronutrient Powder (MNP), highlighting its role in addressing hidden hunger and improving the intake of essential vitamins and minerals among children.
Similarly, Mrs Beatrice Ali and Princess Helen Mathew from FMOHSW facilitated comprehensive sessions on Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQLNS), focusing on their use in preventing malnutrition and supporting optimal growth and development during the first 1,000 days of life.
They were supported by the State Nutrition Officer from KWSPHCDA, Dr Olugbenga Bankole, who conducted a practical session demonstrating the proper administration of SQLNS to children, while emphasising the importance of maintaining appropriate hygiene practices to ensure safety and effectiveness.
A consultant pediatrician from UITH, Prof Aisha Bolakale took the participants on the practical demonstration of the steps in conducting growth monitoring and promotion.
Participants were also taken through effective communication strategies and the critical role of fathers in ensuring proper nutrition and care during the first 1,000 days, reinforcing the importance of family and community involvement in achieving better nutrition outcomes.
The training brought together dieticians and nutritionists to enhance their knowledge and update them on current national guidelines on nutrition.
It also had in attendance participants from key health institutions, including the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, the Kwara State Ministry of Health, as well as Nutrition Focal Persons from the 10 selected local government areas of the state.
