From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Executive Secretary of Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Bello Jamoh, has called on frontline health workers to intensify efforts to promote Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) at the grassroots level.
This appeal was made during a six-day training session for frontline health workers on MIYCN and optimal breastfeeding, organized by the Primary Health Care Board and supported by UNICEF in Zaria from 19th to 24th January 2026.
Dr. Jamoh expressed gratitude to UNICEF for supporting the training sessions that equipped health workers with skills to tackle malnutrition and improve health outcomes. He highlighted the state government’s investments in healthcare, including upgrading primary health centers, distributing modern equipment, and recruiting personnel. He urged health workers to redouble their commitment to efficient service delivery, professionalism, and empathy.
Kaduna State Nutrition Officer, Ramatu Musa Haruna, said the MIYCN training aims to address pressing health and nutrition needs by promoting dietary diversity, exclusive breastfeeding, and proper hygiene. UNICEF has supported these efforts by providing services such as malnutrition screening and immunization. The state has made progress in improving maternal and child health through initiatives such as nutrition corners and the distribution of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition.
Mrs. Chinwe Joy Ezeife, UNICEF’s Nutrition Specialist, emphasized the importance of continuous training for health workers on MIYCN and breastfeeding. She highlighted the critical role that health workers play in promoting optimal nutrition practices, noting that good nutrition is the foundation of child survival, health, and development. UNICEF has been supporting Kaduna State and reiterated its commitment to continued support.
The training aimed to equip health workers with skills to promote MIYCN and breastfeeding practices, addressing pressing health needs in underserved communities. The Kaduna State government has made notable progress in improving maternal and child health through initiatives such as nutrition corners and the adoption of RUTF.
