The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Dr Uju Rochas-Anwukah, has emphasized the critical need for Nigeria to strengthen partnerships with donor organizations and development partners to effectively address malnutrition and achieve national nutrition targets.
High-Level Call for Collaborative Action
Speaking at the Alive & Thrive Nigeria Project closeout and dissemination event organized by FHI 360 in Abuja on Thursday, Dr Rochas-Anwukah highlighted that donor support has been instrumental in improving Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition across seven states since 2022.
"Our strength lies in partnership and collaboration," she declared. "Women and communities must take ownership of these interventions to ensure sustainability."
The presidential aide noted that these stakeholder efforts align with President Bola Tinubu's commitment to deliver health interventions to grassroots communities. She specifically praised Alive & Thrive's "tangible" achievements under Dr Victor Ogbodo's leadership and assured that the program's impact would be communicated directly to the President and Vice President.
Measurable Progress in Nutrition Initiatives
Hon Chike Okafor, Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, reported substantial improvements in feeding practices for mothers and children, particularly in underserved communities.
He explained that over the past four years, Alive & Thrive had successfully mobilized resources both locally and internationally to implement nutrition programs across several states while creating a comprehensive roadmap for future interventions.
"We are working with partners such as UNICEF and the Gates Foundation to improve nutrition and food security nationwide," Okafor stated, adding that the committee had strengthened collaboration with MDAs, civil society organizations, and development partners.
State-Level Success Stories Emerge
From Bauchi State came particularly encouraging news. Dr Rilwanu Muhammad, Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, reported significant gains in maternal and child nutrition through comprehensive interventions including staff training, facility upgrades, media sensitization, and policy support.
The success recorded in one pilot facility prompted the Bauchi State Government to extend similar interventions to two additional centers. Notably, Food and Nutrition Committees have now been established in 15 of the state's 20 local government areas.
Dr Muhammad also highlighted the rollout of training on Multiple Micronutrient Supplements, which provide 15 essential nutrients to support maternal health, making Bauchi's model a reference point for other states seeking to replicate its progress.
Dr Victor Ogbodo, Country Representative and Project Director of Alive & Thrive, emphasized the importance of continuing this momentum, urging stakeholders to strengthen systems, scale interventions, and empower communities to ensure the gains not only endure but expand.
