By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi
The Society for Women Development and Empowerment of Nigeria (SWODEN) has held a day stakeholders’ meeting with Nutrition officers from five Local Government Areas (LGAs)- Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Augie, Gwandu, and Maiyama – and their Maternal and Child Health (MCH) ANC officers in charge. The meeting aimed to review their activities, including data analysis, reports, assessment, and updates on various initiatives.
During the meeting, officers at the LGA level expressed concerns over the inadequate supply of essential drugs for Antenatal Care (ANC), such as iron folic acid and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS). They also raised concerns about the non-release of the nutrition budget from the Kebbi State government, which has hindered the progress of nutrition projects.
The stakeholders urged the state government to release the allocated budget of N450 million to the Ministry of Health and N250 million to the Kebbi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency. They emphasized that the provision of these essential drugs is a shared responsibility between the state government, Helen Keller International, Nutrition International, and other partners.
The meeting also discussed the training of 100 male motivators and the need for a refresher training due to the transfer of some officers and personnel from Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs). Observations, comments, suggestions, and recommendations were documented during the review meeting.
SWODEN’s initiative aims to address the challenges faced by Nutrition officers and ensure the effective implementation of nutrition projects in Kebbi State.
