By Dorothy Onoja
The World Bank-funded ANRiN project, with a budget of US$232 million, is dedicated to enhancing nutrition services for vulnerable populations in Nigeria. Notably, the project has achieved remarkable success in Kogi State, as Dr. Abdulazeez Adeiza Adams, the State Commissioner for Health, attributes this accomplishment to improved nutrition indicators among women and children.
Dr. Adams highlights the positive implications of this achievement, including a decrease in illnesses, an increase in GDP, and a healthier population overall. Bolarinwa Oladele, the Kogi State Project Coordinator for ANRiN, reveals that the project was initiated in 2018 to bridge the significant nutrition gap between northern and southern states in Nigeria.
Initially, 12 states, including Kogi, expressed interest in participating in the project, which necessitates an annual commitment fee of N50 million. Implemented through non-state actors like the Africa Youth Growth Foundation and Save the Children International, the project has encountered challenges such as formulating a sustainability plan and securing commitment funds.
Despite these obstacles, Kogi State has made substantial strides, and the project’s success is poised to have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of women and children in the state. As the project nears its conclusion in Nigeria by the end of 2024, measures are being taken to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the progress made.
The triumph of the ANRiN project in Kogi State sets a precedent for other states in Nigeria, showcasing the potential for enhanced nutrition outcomes through collaborative endeavours and investments in the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.
