UNICEF Launches Major Nutrition Support Plan for Bayelsa Mothers and Children

(Malnurished Child. Photo by Healthwise)

The United Nations Children’s Fund has announced plans to provide more than 1.5 million packets of nutrient-dense food and extra resources to disadvantaged Bayelsa State households in order to battle malnutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of birth and minimize maternal mortality.

The initiative, targeting expectant mothers and young children, represents a collaborative effort by UNICEF, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Bayelsa State Government.

An event held in Yenagoa brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Primary Healthcare Board, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, local government officials and civil society organisations.

UNICEF’s Chief Field Officer outlined the project’s scope as encompassing expectant mothers and children under two years throughout the state, characterising the effort as affording every child born in the state an opportunity not merely to survive but to flourish, learn and fulfil potential.

Funding for the initiative comprised a $25 million contribution from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints distributed across five African countries including Nigeria, N140 million from the Bayelsa State Government and a matching N140 million contribution from UNICEF.

The Chief Field Officer lauded the three-way partnership as demonstrating commitment by government and development partners to advance child nutrition and maternal health outcomes.

The Bayelsa State Health Commissioner, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Primary Healthcare Board, commended UNICEF and the Church for supporting the initiative and requested that the project’s benefits be extended beyond the four currently targeted local governments to encompass the remaining four local government areas within the state.