The Oyo State Federal government has intensified efforts to combat kid poor nutrition with the launch of a detailed intervention programme focused on the very first 1,000 days of a child’s life– from conception to the age of two.
The initiative, revealed in Ibadan, becomes part of a 1 year nutrition program supported by the United States Federal government and carried out by UNICEF throughout 7 Nigerian states. The programme targets pregnant females and children under two years old with the objective of improving nutrition results and reducing malnutrition-related health threats.
Speaking at the unveiling, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi explained the intervention as a critical step toward reversing the growing burden of poor nutrition amongst kids and pregnant women in the state.
According to her, malnutrition continues to position a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with long-lasting ramifications for child advancement, education, and financial efficiency.
“The first 1,000 days of life remain an important window of intervention. What we do throughout this duration identifies brain advancement, physical development, and the future capacity of our kids,” Ajetunmobi said.
She discussed that between 80 and 90 percent of brain development occurs during the early years of life, stressing the requirement for timely nutrition assistance.
As part of the intervention, the government will disperse Little Amount Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQLNS) to children in between 6 months and 2 years of ages. The peanut-based supplements are meant to attend to dietary shortages as kids transition from breastfeeding to family meals.
“These supplements are not for sale. They are strictly for kids within the defined age group. We prompt communities to report any abuse,” she warned.
The programme will be executed throughout all 33 city government areas of the state through main health care centres, with additional focus on public sensitisation and assistance for pregnant women.
Ajetunmobi noted that while the state has recorded progress in minimizing persistent poor nutrition, acute poor nutrition remains a growing issue.
According to her, stunting occurrence in the state has actually minimized from 34.7 per cent to 23.4 percent due to ongoing interventions, while wasting has increased from 1.8 percent to 14.4 percent.
Also speaking, Dr. Muideen Olatunji called for stronger grassroots involvement in dealing with child poor nutrition, describing early-life nutrition as essential to nationwide advancement.
“We should collaborate, understand these innovative approaches, and guarantee proper application. With collective effort, we will attain meaningful development,” Olatunji stated.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget Plan and Economic Planning, Julius Ayanleke, described UNICEF’s assistance as an acknowledgment of the state’s dedication to reinforcing nutrition systems and governance.
Meanwhile, Nutrition Manager at UNICEF Nigeria Nation Office, Sumit Khan, said the firm’s emphasis on the very first 1,000 days of life is focused on enhancing kid nutrition results across the country.
> “These groups are most at risk from poor nutrition outcomes, which is why we prioritise them in all our interventions. This funding permits us to expand proven services and ensure more kids and moms benefit from improved nutrition services,” Khan stated.
He included that UNICEF, in partnership with the United States Government, would continue expanding nutrition programmes throughout states to promote healthy feeding practices and improve cognitive development among Nigerian kids.