The Kwara State Government has promised to continue developing policies aimed at combating malnutrition in infants throughout the state’s 16 local government areas.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, made this commitment during a meeting held in Ilorin by the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria project stakeholders’ exit with Solina Health.
The Commissioner, represented by Hajia Afusat Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara Ministry of Health, emphasized that malnutrition remains a significant challenge that requires ongoing attention.
She highlighted the positive impact of the state’s initiatives such as the Kwara Baby-Friendly program on child nutrition. El-Imam stressed the importance of sustained nutrition programs in addressing this issue.
“labour of love, dedicated to addressing problems of
vulnerable population.
“Over the past four years, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation.
“Our children have received several doses of vitamin A, Zinc, ORS, deworming drugs, and doses of micronutrient powder, all of which make the younger ones grow stronger, healthier, and more energetic.
“Pregnant women have gained vital knowledge and resources to ensure that their babies are given the best possible start in life.”
The state government remains dedicated to enhancing nutrition knowledge, increasing access to essential foods, and fostering healthier generations, as reaffirmed by the Solina Health Programme Director, Dr. Daniel Abraham.
He highlighted the organization’s past successes in child nutrition, noting that valuable lessons learned have been documented to inform future project success.
Dr. Abraham stressed that “nutrition is central to good health and that once nutrition is lost, everything is lost.”
He welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision granting autonomy to local government councils, enabling them to take action on children’s nutrition, stating, “With that autonomy, the councils now have a lot to do on the issue of children’s nutrition in the state.”
Dr. Abraham expressed gratitude to the Kwara Government, community stakeholders, and traditional and religious leaders for their support.
Dr. Habeeb Lawal, ANRiN State Project Coordinator, emphasized the importance of sustained activities to promote healthy nutrition for children and pregnant women, stating that continued efforts are necessary to ensure the well-being of these vulnerable populations.
While pointing out the importance of funding for the activities, Lawal stated that “more funding from partners and government is needed,
while local governments also play their role to support child nutrition.”
