Kwara prevents diarrhoea, measles, injects 1.6m children with Vitamin A

…500,000 pregnant women benefit from state nutritional intervention

Nusirat Elelu, Professor and Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), has revealed that about 1.6 million children received Vitamin A supplementation, while over 500,000 pregnant women benefited from various nutritional interventions across the State in 2025.

The Vitamin A Supplementation was given to 1.6 million children in accordance with the Recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) meant to reduce mortality risks from infections like diarrhoea and measles, especially for children between the ages of 6 to 59 months.

Elelu stated this in her address delivered at the State Training of Trainers (STOT) programme, organised by the Kwara State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition outcomes across the state.

The three-day capacity-building training on Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQLNS) and Micronutrient Powder (MNP) for Nutrition Focal Persons and other key stakeholders in the secondary and tertiary health sectors held Ilorin, between eight and 10th, April.

She emphasised the critical role of nutrition in achieving improved health outcomes, and urged participants to maximise the opportunity by effectively cascading the knowledge gained to nutrition officers in their respective facilities and Local Government Areas.

The University don reaffirmed commitment of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, whom she described as a proactive and health-conscious leader, to ensuring adequate nutrition, particularly for the less privileged across the state.

Elelu commended the progress recorded by Local Government Areas and encouraged them to intensify efforts in supporting the vision of the present administration towards building a healthier Kwara.

According to her, the release of counterpart funds for the biannual Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week underscores the government’s dedication to the wellbeing of its citizens.

The training featured technical sessions facilitated by development partners and national experts, including representatives from UNICEF Kaduna Field Office and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW).

Chinwe Ezeife, a Nutrition Specialist from UNICEF Kaduna, delivered sessions on Micronutrient Powder (MNP), highlighting its role in addressing hidden hunger and improving the intake of essential vitamins and minerals among children.

Similarly, Beatrice Ali and Helen Mathew from the FMOHSW facilitated comprehensive sessions on Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQLNS), focusing on their use in preventing malnutrition and supporting optimal growth and development during the first 1,000 days of life.

They were supported by Olugbenga Bankole, the State Nutrition Officer from KWSPHCDA, who conducted a practical session demonstrating the proper administration of SQLNS to children, while emphasising the importance of maintaining appropriate hygiene practices to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Aisha Bolakale, a Professor and Consultant Paediatrician from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), also led participants through practical demonstrations on the steps involved in growth monitoring and promotion.

Participants were further trained on effective communication strategies and the critical role of fathers in ensuring proper nutrition and care during the first 1,000 days, reinforcing the importance of family and community involvement in achieving better nutrition outcomes.

The training also brought together dieticians and nutritionists to enhance their knowledge and update them on current national nutrition guidelines.

Participants were drawn from key health institutions, including the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, the Kwara State Ministry of Health, as well as Nutrition Focal Persons from 10 selected local government areas of the state.