The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for the expansion of the Masaki programme (Nutrition Food Production through local available food in the communities) to all the 27 local government areas of Jigawa State to improve maternal and child health, nutrition and sanitation.
UNICEF Chief of Field Operations and Emergency in Nigeria, Judith Leveillee, made the call while speaking with journalists during her inspection visit to a Masaki food demonstration at Zangon Buluntu village in Ringim Local Government Area of the state.
Leveillee, who was on a two-day visit to Jigawa, described the Masaki programme as a “golden opportunity” to give children a healthy start in life, particularly by focusing on the critical first 1,000 days of life.
She explained that the period, from pregnancy through the first two years of a child’s life, was crucial for nutrition, healthcare and early childhood development, stressing that interventions during the period could produce lasting benefits for children and families.
“I love the Masaki programme. It’s a golden opportunity. The first 1,000 days of life is where the action needs to happen to make sure that children have the best start in life,” she said.
According to her, the programme also provides a platform for various sectors of government to work together in delivering essential services to pregnant women, mothers, children and communities.
She said the programme, currently being implemented in three local government areas, provides weekly services at ward level, thereby bringing health and nutrition interventions closer to families.
Leveillee said expanding the programme to all 27 LGAs would create greater opportunities for women and children to access antenatal and postnatal care, nutrition services, sanitation, health education and early childhood development interventions.
“A lot can happen through this platform, with more attention to sanitation, education and early-age stimulation and development, as well as antenatal and postnatal care to make sure women and children have access to health and nutrition services,” she said.
The UNICEF official also emphasised the need to improve sanitation among vulnerable households, particularly through increased access to household latrines.
She noted that improved sanitation was essential to preventing diseases among children and promoting healthier communities.
Leveillee commended the Jigawa State Government, health authorities, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders for their commitment to improving the wellbeing of women and children.
She urged stakeholders to strengthen existing collaboration and sustain efforts to expand the Masaki programme to more communities across the state.
“It’s a golden platform that needs to be cherished and nurtured and taken to the next level,” she added.
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