The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Imo State Government and supported by the Gates Foundation, has intensified efforts to strengthen maternal and child nutrition across the state.
The initiative was highlighted during a strategic meeting held in Owerri involving the Imo State Ministry of Health, the Imo Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and UNICEF officials. The session focused on reviewing and validating the state’s Nutrition Social Behaviour Change (SBC) Strategy and integrating Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chief of UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, praised the Imo Government for prioritising human capital development, healthcare, and sustainable growth. She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment, alongside the Gates Foundation, to advancing nutrition programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of women and children.
Chiluwe described Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation as a vital and cost-effective intervention capable of reducing anaemia, low birth weight, stillbirths, and other maternal and child health complications. She called for stronger government ownership, coordinated implementation, and increased domestic investment to ensure sustainability.
According to her, greater investment in the Child Nutrition Fund would support the procurement of essential nutrition commodities and guarantee continued access to life-saving interventions for vulnerable groups.
Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Chioma Egu, explained that the SBC strategy is designed to encourage healthier nutrition choices across all stages of life, from pregnancy and infancy to adulthood. She noted that the framework promotes exclusive breastfeeding, healthy feeding practices, micronutrient supplementation, hygiene, and timely access to healthcare services.
Egu also commended healthcare workers and community volunteers for their dedication to improving nutrition outcomes in the state. She stressed the importance of integrating MMS into the SBC framework to ensure pregnant women in both rural and urban communities not only access the supplements but also understand their significance.
She noted that every pregnant woman receiving MMS is taking a crucial step toward safer pregnancies, healthier babies, and stronger families.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Anslem Anyanwu, reiterated the state government’s commitment to sustaining the programme through supportive policies, resource mobilisation, and strategic partnerships.
The meeting attracted key stakeholders, including permanent secretaries, civil society organisations, academic representatives, and development partners committed to strengthening nutrition and healthcare delivery in Imo State.
