The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing nutrition for children and women across the state. This dedication was prominently highlighted during the launch of a training program for trainers on the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) in Lokoja. Organized by the Kogi State Ministry of Health in collaboration with ANRIN projects, the training aims to equip healthcare professionals with essential skills to effectively manage acute malnutrition in children.
In a speech delivered by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ali Bello, Governor Ododo emphasized the critical importance of early nutrition for children and the necessity for the state government to implement proactive measures to combat malnutrition. He announced that the state government has initiated treatment protocols for malnourished individuals and directed the Health Insurance Agency to cover expenses for all malnourished children who may present at referral centers with additional co-morbidities.
The Governor also urged stakeholders to mobilize and raise awareness within their communities to ensure that every child, particularly those aged six to fifty-nine months, has access to available healthcare services.
Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, the State Commissioner of Health, underscored the significance of the training, which aims to enhance the nutritional status of children in Kogi State. He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training in their respective areas of work.
Dr. Olayemi Ayo, Chief Medical Director of the Kogi State Hospital Management Board, stressed the importance of participants’ diligence following the training to improve the nutritional outcomes for children and women in the state.
Participants, including Dr. Grace Afolabi, Kogi State Reproductive Health Coordinator, and Dr. Abubakar Alhassan, Director of Medical Services and Training at the Kogi State Hospital Management Board, expressed their enthusiasm for the training, recognizing it as a vital step towards addressing malnutrition.
Dorothy Onoja
PRO
Ministry of Health
