Stakeholders are currently participating in a workshop aimed at adapting the National Social Behaviour Change (SBC) Strategy to support community mobilization efforts under the Advancing Nutrition in Nigeria Project in Akwa Ibom State.
The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Helen Keller International.
Delivering a keynote address during the opening of the five-day workshop at ROSMOH Hotel, Uyo, the representative of the Director and Head of the Nutrition Department, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH&SW), Mrs. Grace Mogekwu, underscored the federal significance of the activity.
She also acknowledged the contributions of all partners, particularly Helen Keller International, for initiating the adaptation of the National Social Behaviour Change Strategy in Akwa Ibom State.
Reflecting on the 2023 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data, Mrs. Mogekwu recognized the existing challenges but reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting nutrition across all stages of life.
“There is a need to promote nutrition across the life cycle; nutrition is a continuum of care,” she stated.
She further encouraged stakeholders to explore innovative approaches and effectively utilize both domestic and international resources to ensure successful implementation of the strategy.
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The Akwa Ibom State Nutrition Officer, Dr. Idongesit Bassey Umoh, welcomed participants to the workshop, describing it as a significant step toward raising awareness about nutrition issues in the state. She highlighted the increasing prevalence of malnutrition in Akwa Ibom and emphasized the need for urgent attention.
Dr. Umoh expressed optimism that the workshop discussions would contribute to improving the nutritional status of residents in the state, with the strategy serving as a guiding document.
“We cannot succeed alone, but as a team, we will succeed,” she said, urging participants to ensure punctuality throughout the meeting.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, Mr. Muyiwa Olowe, speaking on behalf of the Country Director and Chief of Party of the project, expressed gratitude to participants and partners for their support of the workshop.
He highlighted Helen Keller International’s core values of collaboration and commitment, noting that the strong support received affirmed the Advancing Nutrition in Nigeria project’s positive trajectory in Akwa Ibom State.
Mr. Olowe encouraged the state to take ownership of the project, emphasizing that it would create opportunities for stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to improving nutrition outcomes. He also expressed hope that the workshop discussions would help shape the strategic direction of the project, emphasizing the importance of ideas and insights.
The Advancing Nutrition in Nigeria project is a multisectoral initiative collaborating with Akwa Ibom State and key stakeholders to address malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women, children under five, and individuals with special needs.