***As Stakeholders move to Strengthen MNCHW in Nigeria Focusing on Nutrition

UNICEF, in partnership with Nutrition International and other organizations, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts in improving Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH).

During a training on use revised MNCHW monitoring tool
in Abuja on Wednesday, UNICEF’s Nutrition Officer, Yadika Charles explained how the organization is collaborating with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Federal Ministry of Health to enhance health monitoring systems and strengthen critical interventions.

The initiative he said brought together state nutrition officers, M&E experts, and independent monitors to assess and refine tools and approaches for tracking MNCHW interventions. According to Charles, the goal is to “standardize and improve the monitoring process,” ensuring effective service delivery at the grassroots level.
According to him, Nutrition plays a pivotal role in MNCH services, particularly during MNCH week, where interventions like vitamin A supplementation, child deworming, and micronutrient support for pregnant women are provided. Charles highlighted the significance of the activities, saying, “These nutrition interventions are foundational to maternal and child health services, especially at the primary healthcare level.”

Reflecting on the progress made over the years, Charles noted improvements in child and maternal health indicators since 2000. “While challenges remain, there has been a notable rise in the utilization of services, driven by MNCH weeks that raise public awareness and encourage more people to access available health services,” he said.

Charles emphasized UNICEF’s role as a partner in progress, explaining that the organization’s primary responsibility is to support the Nigerian government. “We work alongside the government, filling technical gaps, providing financial support where possible, and strengthening capacity,” he said. He also stressed UNICEF’s commitment to accountability, stating that independent monitoring, often funded by UNICEF, helps identify areas for improvement in service delivery.

This collaboration he said highlights UNICEF’s dedication to working with the Nigerian government to create a sustainable impact on maternal and child health, ensuring that essential health services reach communities across the country.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), led by Dr. Ogeichi Akalonu reiterated the importance of the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Week as part of efforts to improve healthcare outcomes for women and children across Nigeria.
Speaking at the meeting in Abuja, Dr. Akalonu highlighted the significance of the biannual event, which takes place every May and November, to increase access to essential health services and life-saving commodities.

MNCH Week aims to address key health issues, focusing on improving maternal and child health through integrated healthcare interventions. According to Dr. Akalonu, one of the key drivers of MNCH Week is nutrition. “Nutrition is at the core of the MNCH Week intervention. Commodities like vitamin A, multiple micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women, albendazole for deworming, and zinc ORS for diarrhea management are all integral to the health improvements we aim for,” she stated.

Dr. Akalonu explained that MNCH Week not only provides essential health services but also works to improve household health practices, community engagement, and awareness.
She stressed that while the initiative covers a wide range of health services, the nutrition interventions form the backbone of the program, ensuring that women and children receive the necessary nutrients to survive and thrive.

Dr. Akalonu spoke about the challenges Nigeria faces in reaching every community with these life-saving services. “Given Nigeria’s vast size and diversity, reaching remote and underserved populations requires targeted planning and coordination. We ensure that we work closely with local communities, the World Development Committees, and rural health providers to address their unique needs and ensure that essential health services, including nutrition support, are delivered,” he said.

On the impact of the MNCH Week, Dr. Akalonu acknowledged that while challenges persist, significant progress has been made. “Although we are not there yet, we have made strides in improving maternal and child health in Nigeria, particularly in terms of service utilization. The MNCH Week has contributed to raising awareness, and we are working tirelessly to ensure even greater access to these critical services,” he added.

In addressing the critical role of partners, Dr. Akalonu emphasized the contributions of international organizations like UNICEF and Nutrition International, which have been key in providing support and resources for the program. These organizations help supply essential commodities like vitamin A, iron folic acid, and albendazole, which are vital to the MNCH Week’s success. “These partners bring in-kind resources, which are essential in supplementing government efforts. They help fill the gaps and ensure that we are able to distribute the commodities to the last mile,” Dr. Kalon explained.

Looking forward, Dr. Akalonu called on the Nigerian government to increase its investment in nutrition and maternal health interventions. “The government must do more. We need to increase the budget allocation for nutrition programs and ensure timely distribution of resources. The new government is working towards better integration, but more funding is necessary to sustain and expand these efforts,” he said.

Dr. Akalonu concluded by emphasizing the importance of collaboration at all levels, particularly in addressing challenges such as expired products or logistical gaps in the distribution of health commodities. “Constant engagement, accountability, and political will are essential in making these programs work,” he stated.

As the MNCH Week continues to evolve, the NPHCDA remains committed to improving maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes, with nutrition playing a central role in these efforts.

***Cautions against stigmatization

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Prifesor. Salisu Usman Ogbo, has launched a sickle cell foundation, Shamsudeen Sickle Cell Foundation, with a call on well-meaning Nigerians to join the fight against stigmatization through creation of awareness.

The Rector while inaugurating the Foundation as part of activities to mark his 52nd Birthday anniversary called for aggressive awareness campaigns saying that stigmatization of carriers, was more injurious than the disease itself.

He said that the Vision of the Foundation is to ensure “A world where sickle cell warriors thrive, free from stigma, pains and limitations” with a mission to change sickle cell narratives and conditions positively through care, support, counselling and and medical advancement.

Prof Ogbo Usman said that the Foundation would offer services such as Medical Support, Counselling, Advocacy and Sensitization Empowerment, General Health Promotion, Scholarships, Nutrition and Dietitian Services and Career Services.

Others are Training and Retraining of health personnel and auxiliary staff Research (Advanced Medical & Demographic Research) Blood Donation support and Collaboration with Donor Agencies.

Narrating his ordeal as a sickle cell carrier, 14 years old Shamsudeen after whom the Foundation is named said living with sickle cell has been traumatic but expressed gratitude to his parents for their support and perseverance.

Shamsudeen who described himself as a proud sickle cell warrior said the first six months of his life were filled with happiness as he was a healthy, bouncing baby boy but the narrative changed six months after.

“However, everything changed at six months when I fell ill for the first time. My parents assumed it was a typical baby illness, but as the months went on, I continued to fall sick.

“When I turned one, my parents threw a grand birthday celebration. But after the party, I fell seriously ill, and my limbs swelled. I was taken to a well-known hospital in Anyigba, where I was diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

“My parents were devastated, facing the unknown challenges ahead. In response, my father made a vow to give his all to ensure I would have the best care possible”, he explained in an emotion-laden voice.

Shamsudeen said life has been a journey of challenges and resilience adding that his experiences had been shaped by several aspects of living with sickle cells with the crisis and vulnerability.

“The pain caused by sickle cell crises has been one of my most difficult struggles. I have endured excruciating pain, particularly in my chest, abdomen, and limbs.

“A type of crisis I faced, known as acute chest syndrome, even led to pneumonia, causing the most intense chest pain I have ever experienced.

“Vulnerability: Both extreme heat and cold bring additional health issues, such as protozoan diseases like malaria or respiratory infections, which can lead to crises”, he said.

Against all odds, Shamsudeen is determined to live his life to the fullest with God, his loving and capable parents as well as well-meaning Nigerians playing desired roles.

He said: “Education has captivated me, especially the subject of Biology, inspiring me to pursue a career in medicine. My ultimate goal is to specialize in Neurosurgery.” (Ends)

The 60th National Congress of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), currently being held in Jos, has faced an unexpected disruption.

Several key members of the veterinary community, including figures from the Veterinary Council, academia, and private sector, received urgent letters from the Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee summoning them to a last-minute meeting in Abuja.
The timing of this meeting, from October 22-25, coincided directly with the congress, which also included the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

President of the NVMA, Dr. Moses Arokoyo, expressed deep concern over the sudden call, pointing out that the congress had been advertised for months and that those summoned were integral to the success of the event. “This congress is a milestone, marking 100 years of veterinary service in Nigeria. To suddenly remove key participants without prior notice is both surprising and troubling,” Dr. Arokoyo stated. He added that the absence of these members could hinder the quality of discussions, particularly as the congress theme focuses on the future of veterinary service delivery and artificial intelligence’s role in national food security.

The congress, which featured a keynote address from Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan of Malaysia, brought together over 1,000 veterinarians and high-profile guests. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed delivered a special message lauding the profession’s contributions to national food security.
Distinguished figures, including Governors Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, and the First Lady of Borno State, Dr. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum, were honored for their support of livestock development.

The last-minute clash between the Livestock Reforms Committee meeting and the congress has sparked concern within the veterinary community.
Dr. Arokoyo questioned the timing and decision-making process behind the meeting, noting that neither he nor the Council President, who are both members of the Reforms Committee, were consulted.
He called for a more inclusive and well-coordinated approach to advancing livestock reforms, stressing that the veterinarians’ voices are crucial at this pivotal stage of the Ministry of Livestock Development’s work.

The disruption has been described as a threat that can undermine the collaborative spirit of the congress and hence weaken veterinary contributions to shaping Nigeria’s livestock sector, raising questions about the future of cooperation between the government and the profession.