The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Niger State Ministry of Primary Health Care, recently conducted a training program for frontline health workers on Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN).
Held in Bida, Niger State, the week-long training, themed “Adequate Nutrition,”was funded by the World Bank under the Accelerated Nutrition in Nigeria (ARIN) project. Oversight for the initiative was provided by the Niger State Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health, highlighting a joint effort to address nutritional challenges in the region.
This initiative aims to train 550 frontline health workers from across Niger State’s three senatorial districts, with future plans to extend the program to other areas.
Purpose of This Training
In the first phase, 240 health workers were trained, focusing on enhancing database management—a critical area that has experienced shortcomings in recent years. Participants also learned about the importance of nutrition for children and nursing mothers, with a variety of practical and theoretical components integrated into the program.
A key feature of the training was its hands-on approach, which included advocacy visits to the Federal Medical Centre in Bida, practical food demonstrations, and interactive sessions in secondary health facilities. These activities aimed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that health workers could directly apply the knowledge gained in their respective communities.
Stakeholders also signed public commitments during the program, underlining their dedication to delivering effective health interventions. The training addressed gaps in the practices of many health workers, offering them newinsights and strategies to improve maternal and child nutrition. By equipping participants with updated knowledge, the program prepared them to implement and disseminate these learnings, fostering a ripple effect that extends into local communities.
The broader goal of the program is to inspire community-level activities focused on improving nutrition, such as awareness campaigns and sensitization initiatives targeted at beneficiaries. By raising awareness and promoting better nutritional practices, the program seeks to improve the health outcomes of children under five and their mothers.
Overall, the MIYCN training program not only enhanced the capacity of health workers but also laid the groundwork for sustainable nutrition-focused interventions. With an emphasis on collaboration, practical skill development, and advocacy, the initiative aims to create a lasting impact on maternal and child health in Niger State and beyond.
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