By Our Correspondent
Stakeholders are currently engaged in a workshop to adapt the National Social Behaviour Change (SBC) Strategy for community mobilization efforts of the Advancing Nutrition in Nigeria Project in Akwa Ibom State.
The project is funded by United State Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Helen Keller Intl.
In a keynote address, during the opening of the five-day workshop holding at ROSMOH Hotel, Uyo, the representative of the Director and Head of Nutrition department, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH&SW) Mrs. Grace Mogekwu, emphasized the federal-level significance of the activity and acknowledged the contributions of all partners, particularly Helen Keller Intl, for initiating the adaptation of the National Social Behaviour Change Strategy in Akwa Ibom State.
While reflecting on the 2023 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data, she acknowledged the challenges but reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting nutrition across the lifecycle. “There is need to promote nutrition across the life cycle, nutrition is a continuum of care”, she said. She, therefore, encouraged stakeholders to explore innovative approaches and utilize domestic and international resources effectively to ensure implementation success.
On her part, the Akwa Ibom state Nutrition Officer, Dr Idongesit Bassey Umoh welcomed participants to the workshop describing it as one of the steps towards creating awareness on issues around nutrition in the State, and the need for the people to pay attention to cases of malnutrition which is on the increase in the state.
She expressed optimism that discussion during the workshop would contribute towards improving the nutrition status of residents in the State, with the strategy serving as a guiding document. “We cannot succeed alone; but as a team, we will succeed,” she added while urging participants to ensure punctuality throughout the meeting.
Earlier in his welcome remark Mr Muyiwa Olowe on behalf of the Country Director and the Chief of Party of the Project expressed appreciation to the participants and support of partners at the workshop. He emphasized that the core values of Helen Keller Intl are collaboration and commitment to work, noting that their support affirms the Advancing Nutrition in Nigeria project is on the right track in the state. He urged Akwa Ibom State to own the project as it would open opportunities for stakeholders in the state to contribute meaningfully towards improving nutrition outcomes.
He expressed optimism that the discussions during the workshop would help shape the strategic direction of the project, emphasizing the importance of ideas and insights.
The Advancing Nutrition in Nigeria, a multisectoral project, is collaborating with Akwa Ibom State and key stakeholders to address issues around malnutrition as it affects vulnerable groups such as women, children under five and those with special needs.