No fewer than 120 malnourished children and their caregivers in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State have benefited from a community-based malnutrition intervention programme aimed at improving child health and nutrition at the grassroots.
The programme, held on Thursday, 22 January, 2026, at the Alimosho Local Government Multi-purpose Hall, was organised in partnership with the Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX) and the Bloom Project. Beneficiaries received nutrient packs and participated in enlightenment sessions designed to combat childhood malnutrition.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, described malnutrition as a major public health challenge with serious implications for child survival and national development.
“Malnutrition remains a critical challenge that directly affects child survival, growth and overall development. If not properly addressed, it can have long-term consequences on the health and productivity of our society,” he said.
Hon. Johnson explained that the intervention programme featured nutritional screening, provision of nutrition support, referrals where necessary and comprehensive caregiver education. He commended HEI, NGX, the Bloom Project and health workers for their dedication to improving child health and strengthening nutrition at the community level.
“I am particularly pleased that this intervention builds on the successes of previous malnutrition programmes and aligns perfectly with our administration’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery across Alimosho Local Government,” he said. “As the government closest to the people, we remain committed to policies and partnerships that promote preventive healthcare and improve the wellbeing of our residents.”
He further assured residents and stakeholders of the council’s continued support for initiatives that promote child health, nutrition and community development.
Nutritional packs were later presented to nursing mothers and caregivers by Hon. Akinpelu, alongside other dignitaries at the event.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District 1, Dr. Sola Pitan, represented by Dr. Oyetoyan Solomon, applauded the facilitators and urged beneficiaries to adhere strictly to usage instructions. He noted that the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has continued to demonstrate commitment to child and maternal health through various programmes across the state.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of HEI, Mr. Paschal Achunine, expressed appreciation to Hon. Johnson, partners, sponsors and participating mothers, while highlighting other communities where similar malnutrition interventions had recorded success.
The Director of Nursing Services, Lagos Health District 1, Mrs. Adeleke Bolajoko, educated nursing mothers and caregivers on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and appropriate complementary feeding thereafter. Participants were also enlightened on the nutritional benefits of fruits such as watermelon, banana, pineapple, orange, tangerine and pawpaw.
In her vote of thanks, the Head of Medical Officers of Health in Alimosho Local Government, Dr. Abimbola Adekoya, thanked the council chairman, directors, sponsors and mothers for their support, stressing that sustained collaboration is vital to reducing childhood malnutrition in the local government.
