The Oyo State Government has organised a one-day community awareness programme to sensitise caregivers on the use of Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements for children aged between six and 11 months across the 33 Local Government Areas of the state.
The programme, organised by the Nutrition Department of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, is aimed at improving infant nutrition, promoting healthy growth and strengthening community understanding of adequate nutrition, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life.
Speaking at the event, Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, stressed the importance of proper nutrition from pregnancy through the early years of a child’s life.
According to her, the first 1,000 days from the beginning of pregnancy until a child turns two remain a critical period for the growth, brain development and overall wellbeing of children.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ibadan North East Local Government Area, Ibrahim Akintayo, commended the state government and its development partners for supporting initiatives aimed at improving child health and nutrition in communities.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Olatunji Muideen, explained that the awareness programme was designed to educate caregivers on the benefits and proper use of the nutrient supplement to ensure healthy growth among infants.
He added that improving caregivers’ knowledge of appropriate infant feeding practices would help reduce cases of malnutrition and enhance child health outcomes across the state.
The event was attended by the Director of Nutrition, Dr. Khadijah Alarape; principal officers of the board; permanent secretaries; and representatives of development partners including UNICEF, World Bank, Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria and Evidence Action, alongside caregivers and other stakeholders in the health sector.
