Kwara, UNICEF train health workers on maternal, child nutrition

The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, has organised a three-day capacity-building training for health stakeholders on improved maternal and child nutrition across the state.

The training, which focused on Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements and Micronutrient Powder, was designed for Nutrition Focal Persons and other stakeholders drawn from secondary and tertiary health facilities.

PidomNigeria Online reports that the training was held between April 8 and 10 in Ilorin, with participants attending from all local government areas of the state.

Speaking at the opening session, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Professor Nusirat Elelu, charged participants to maximise the opportunity and ensure that the knowledge gained is effectively transferred to nutrition officers at facility and local government levels.

“This training is not just for personal development; it is expected that you cascade the knowledge to other officers across your various facilities and local government areas,” she said.

Elelu underscored the importance of nutrition in achieving improved health outcomes, revealing that in 2025 alone, about 1.6 million children received Vitamin A supplementation, while over 500,000 pregnant women benefitted from nutritional interventions across the state.

“These figures show that we are making progress, but there is still more work to be done to ensure that every child and mother has access to proper nutrition,” she added.

She commended local government authorities for their contributions so far, while urging them to intensify efforts in line with the state government’s vision of building a healthier population.

Elelu also reaffirmed the commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to improving nutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups, describing him as a proactive and health-conscious leader.

“The consistent release of counterpart funds for the biannual Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week demonstrates the administration’s unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of Kwara residents,” she said.

Technical sessions at the training were facilitated by development partners and national experts, including representatives from UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

A Nutrition Specialist with UNICEF Kaduna, Chinwe Ezeife, led discussions on Micronutrient Powder, explaining its role in tackling hidden hunger and improving children’s intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

“Micronutrient Powder is critical in addressing deficiencies that are not immediately visible but have long-term consequences on children’s growth and development,” she noted.

Similarly, facilitators from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Beatrice Ali and Princess Helen Mathew, delivered sessions on SQLNS, focusing on their effectiveness in preventing malnutrition during the first 1,000 days of life.

“Proper use of SQLNS can significantly improve growth outcomes and support brain development in children when administered correctly,” they explained.

The State Nutrition Officer, Dr Olugbenga Bankole, also conducted a practical session demonstrating the administration of SQLNS to children, emphasising hygiene and safety standards.

“Ensuring proper hygiene during administration is key to achieving the desired impact of these supplements,” he said.

A Consultant Paediatrician from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Professor Aisha Bolakale, further guided participants through practical steps in conducting growth monitoring and promotion.

Participants were equally trained on effective communication strategies and the importance of involving fathers in ensuring proper nutrition and care during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

The training also brought together dieticians and nutritionists, providing a platform to update their knowledge in line with current national nutrition guidelines and strengthen coordinated efforts toward improving maternal and child health outcomes in Kwara State.