By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Kwara Government has pledged to continue health policies geared towards eliminating malnutrition across the 16 Local Government Area of the state.
Dr Amina El-Imam made the pledge in Ilorin while speaking during the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) project, Stakeholders Exit Meeting with Solina Health.
El-Imam who was represented by Hajia Afusat Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara Ministry of Health, said that the challenge of malnutrition has not been fully addressed, adding that the state will noy relent in its effort.
The commissioner observed that initiative of the state government on child nutrition such as Kwara Baby-friendly initiative is yielding positive result.
According to her, nutrition programmes are a continuous process, while describing it as labour of love, dedicated to addressing problems of the vulnerable population.
“Over the past four years, we have witnessed remarkable transformation.
“Our children have received several doses of vitamin A, Zinc, ORS, deworming drugs and several doses of micronutrient powder all of which have made them grow stronger, healthier and more energetic.
“Pregnant mothers have gained vital knowledge and resources to ensure that their babies are given the best possible start in life,” she said.
El-Imam observed that it is moments like these that reaffirm the state’s commitment to the well- being of the communities.
She stated that Kwara is committed to improving nutritional knowledge, enhancing access to essential foods, and ultimately foster healthier generations.
Also speaking, Dr Daniel Abraham, the Solina Health Programme Director observed that the organization recorded some success over the years on child nutrition in the state.
He explained that the lesson learned were documented, which will ultimately contribute to the success of the project in Kwara.
Abraham pointed out that nutrition is central to good health and that once nutrition is lost, everything is lost.
He opined that with the democratically elected local government councils having freedom to function, they therefore have a lot to do on the issue of children nutrition in the state.
The Solina Health programme director commended Kwara government for their full support, as well as other key community stakeholders including traditional and religious leaders.
In his submission, Dr Habeeb Lawal, the ANRiN State Project Coordinator, emphasized the need for sustainability in area of child-nutrition and pregnant women.
He assert that the Kwara government is willing to ensure sustainability of the programme, while pointing out the importance of funding for the programme.
Lawal stated that more funding from partners and government is needed, while also tasking the local government of thier role they have to pay in supporting child nutrition in the state.
