The United Nations Children’s Fund has collaborated with the government of Adamawa to enlist around 6,525 caregivers to advocate for the nutritional advantages in 21 Local Government Areas within the state. The Nutrition Officer of the Adamawa Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mr. Wulunga Alfred, revealed this information to the News Agency of Nigeria in Yola over the weekend.
Alfred elaborated that these caregivers have been tasked with educating people on how to utilize the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference tape to evaluate the vulnerability of children facing malnutrition. The tape is color-coded in green, yellow, and red to indicate safe, caution, and critical levels, respectively.
The Nutrition Officer highlighted that this initiative has proven successful in reducing the incidence of malnourished children in the region. Alfred emphasized the importance for mothers to comprehend how substandard diets can have adverse effects on their children, ultimately leading to malnutrition.
He stressed that inadequate nutrition compromises the immunity of children, rendering them susceptible to various illnesses, particularly malnutrition.
He stated ,“When a child is growing, essential nutrients are vital for healthy growth, especially for successful optimal stage.
“Above all, parents should ensure they attend antenatal clinics for guidance and other services that will help both mother and the child.”
The nutrition officer encouraged new mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after giving birth, and then introduce complementary foods to their infants.
Additionally, he mentioned that approximately 1,800 Community Health Influencers and Promoters were trained and deployed to provide support and services to caregivers, going beyond just the immediate family caregivers.
These Community Health Influencers and Promoters play a vital role in educating and guiding mothers on proper nutrition and healthcare practices, ensuring a stronger support system for families and communities.
“They go house-to-house to counsel mothers and refer complicated issues to hospitals. By so doing, we are reducing the cases of malnutrition among other cases affecting women and children in the state,” he Noted.
