The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has conducted a three-day training programme for health workers aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition across the state.

The training, held in Ilorin between April 8 and 10, focused on Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQLNS) and Micronutrient Powder (MNP), with participants drawn from secondary and tertiary health facilities across all local government areas.

The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Nusirat Elelu, said the programme was designed to strengthen capacity and ensure knowledge is cascaded to frontline health workers.

She noted that while progress has been made in nutrition interventions, more work is needed to ensure wider coverage for mothers and children across the state.

UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Chinwe Ezeife, explained that Micronutrient Powder plays a key role in addressing hidden hunger and improving children’s intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

Officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Beatrice Ali and Princess Helen Mathew, also trained participants on the use of SQLNS, highlighting its importance in preventing malnutrition during the first 1,000 days of life.

A practical session was conducted by the State Nutrition Officer, Olugbenga Bankole, focusing on safe administration, hygiene, and best practices in supplement delivery.

Participants were also trained on growth monitoring, communication strategies, and the involvement of fathers in child nutrition to improve outcomes during early childhood development.

The programme reinforced efforts by the state government and UNICEF to strengthen maternal and child health systems and reduce malnutrition across Kwara State.