By Segun Adewale, Bauchi
Alive & Thrive fhi360, has formally close out its 3 years Accelerating the scale-up of Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (ASMIYCN), Project and Dissemination of the Bauchi State Essential Medicine Lists and MMS Project in Bauchi State.
Speaking at the closing out ceremony weekend, the state Commissioner of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam, disclosed that the Government has approved the release of the sum of N300m as part of the funding for Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), being handed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
He stressed that the Government is committed to supporting the improvement of quality, efficient and efficient service delivery in the healthcare sector in order to keep a healthy society.
The Commissioner added that the State has enjoyed the 3 years of support and service provided by Alive & Thrive fhi360 in terms of nutrition and dietary practices by women and children.
He expressed confidence that the close-out would not be the end of partnership with the Alive & Thrive fhi360 as the state looks forward to more projects from the organisation.
The Country Representative, of Alive and Thrive fhi360, Dr. Victor Ogbodo, commended Bauchi State Government for accepting and supporting the project saying, “As a release, in closing, another one is
about to open.”
The Country Representative who was represented by the STA, Maternal Nutrition fhi360, Alive & Thrive, Dr James Oloyede, appreciated the reception, acceptance, collaboration
with Alive & Thrive and later Fhi360 throughout the duration of the project saying, “This has
been demonstrated by unalloyed support given to A&T team in the state.”
According to him, “We were so integrated that except we tell people, our team seem the
employees of the State state government.”
He explained that Alive & Thrive fhi360 lanched an Accelerating scale up MYCN project in 2022 to increase access to high quality maternal, infant & Young chuldner’s
dire need to mitigate malnutrition among women and children thereby impact positively on nutrition narrative in the country, this will improve the health of mothers and children.”
“While welcoming you to this great meeting, It is important to note that the progress towards meeting both Nigeria’s and global nutrition target
has been slow and in some cases not met at all,” he added.
According to him, “For instance, Nationally, NDHS 2023/2024 showed по change in EBF (29%),
Worsening stunting (from 37% to 402) wasting (from 7% to 8%) and under-weight (from 22% to 27%). Only 1 out of 10 children under 5
received Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD-12%).”
He also stated that nationally ANC attendance also dropped to 43% from 67% while health facilities deliveries rose to 43%, he however expressed happiness that in the 89 PHCs in 6 LGAs where it worked, things were improved.
In his keynote address, Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, said that, “As we all know, maternal and child nutrition is a cornerstone of human capital development. When women are healthy and adequately nourished during pregnancy, when infants are breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life, and when children receive adequate complementary feeding thereafter, we lay the foundation for a healthier, stronger, and more productive society.”
On behalf of the Government and people of Bauchi State, he extended sincere appreciation to Alive & Thrive-FHI360 and the CBOs that implemented the project with them with the generous support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
According to him,”We recognize and commend the tireless contributions of our health workers, community volunteers, traditional and religious leaders, and indeed the mothers and families across Bauchi who embraced and practiced new ways of ensuring better nutrition and health for their children.”
Rilwanu Mohammed stressed that,
“The impact of this project has been remarkable and multi-dimensional. Permit me to highlight some of the key achievements:
Promotion of Optimal Maternal Nutrition: Through the MMS intervention, thousands of pregnant women in Bauchi State have had access to multiple micronutrient supplements, ensuring that mothers receive essential vitamins and minerals for healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries.”
He added that, “This is a significant step forward in reducing maternal anaemia, low birthweight, and other pregnancy-related complications.
Improvement in Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices.”
He added that, “The MIYCN component of the project has empowered mothers and caregivers with knowledge and confidence to practice exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months, timely introduction of complementary foods, and continued breastfeeding up to two years. These practices are proven to reduce malnutrition and child mortality, and to improve cognitive development.”
On strengthening the Health System: Health workers at PHC levels were trained and equipped to provide quality counselling on nutrition and to distribute MMS to pregnant women. These capacities remain with our health system and will continue to serve our communities.
On Community Mobilization and Ownership: By engaging Community Resource Group and community-based organizations, the project succeeded in embedding nutrition messages into community dialogues, sermons, and cultural practices.
This level of community ownership will help ensure sustainability. The Durum Centre of Excellence is another Masterpiece that we are happy with as A&T has showcased that indeed MIYCN Practices can be comprehensive and holistic in a PHC.
Also, policy and Advocacy Gains:
At the policy level, Alive & Thrive has worked with the Bauchi State Ministry of Health to strengthen nutrition policies and to align them with global best practices.
The project has demonstrated the feasibility of scaling MMS across the state and integrating MIYCN into routine services.
This project has taught us valuable lessons: that nutrition is not only a health issue, but also an economic and social development issue; that behaviour change requires both education and community engagement; and that innovation—like the introduction of MMS—can transform the lives of mothers and children when coupled with strong leadership and political will.
“Yet, we must be honest with ourselves. Challenges still remain. Malnutrition, stunting, and anaemia are still prevalent in our state. Food insecurity, poverty, and cultural barriers continue to hinder progress. These challenges remind us that the journey must continue, even as this specific project comes to an end,” he added.
The EC recommended that MIYCN and MMS interventions must be mainstreamed into our primary healthcare system so that every mother and child can benefit, even beyond the lifespan of this project.
Continuous capacity building for health workers is essential. Training, mentoring, and supportive supervision must remain a priority for government.
Strengthening Supply Chains:
For MMS to be available to all pregnant women, supply chains must be strengthened, with state government commitment to procurement and distribution.
Community Engagement: We must continue to harness the influence of our traditional and religious leaders in shaping positive behaviours around maternal and child nutrition.
Financing and Partnerships:
Government must prioritize nutrition financing within the state budget. As we have committed fund in the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF). At the same time, we call on civil society, the private sector, and development partners especially the Alive & Thrive project in Bauchi State to continue their support and collaboration.
According to him, “The closure of the Alive & Thrive MIYCN and MMS Project in Bauchi State is not an end, but a call to action. We must carry forward the momentum, sustain the interventions, and expand them.”
He stressed that, “Every child born in Bauchi deserves the best start in life. Every mother deserves the support to nurture her baby. And every family deserves the opportunity to thrive. Alive & Thrive has shown us the way. It is now up to us, as a state and as a people, to sustain this legacy.”
