Health
Stakeholders unite to tackle child malnutrition in Bayelsa
By LInus Effiong
Government officials, health experts, and development partners have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling child malnutrition in Bayelsa State.
This they planned to do through a new nutrition intervention aimed at improving the health and well-being of mothers and children during the critical first 1,000 days of life.
The commitment was made on Tuesday at the inception meeting for a grant-funded nutrition project in Yenagoa, supported by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in partnership with UNICEF.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Seiyefa Brisibe, the Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr. Williams Appah, described the initiative as a timely intervention that would significantly improve child health outcomes across the state.
He stressed that the first 1,000 days—from conception to a child’s second birthday—represent a crucial period for physical growth, brain development, and lifelong health.
“In healthcare, everyone is a critical stakeholder because it concerns all of us. We must work together to pull every child out of malnutrition,” Appah said.
He noted that the project would initially be implemented in four local government areas, focusing on preventing childhood malnutrition through improved healthcare services, nutrition education, and enhanced support for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and caregivers.
Appah commended UNICEF and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for supporting the programme and appealed for its expansion to the remaining four local government areas to ensure children across Bayelsa benefit from the intervention.
He also urged stakeholders to intensify public awareness campaigns on maternal, infant and young child nutrition, noting that informed parents are better equipped to make decisions that improve their children’s health.
The UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Lady Celine Lafoucriere, said the intervention extends beyond nutrition support to strengthening the state’s healthcare, food, and social protection systems.
According to her, the project’s goal is to ensure that every child in Bayelsa not only survives but thrives.
“This project is to give every child born in the state not just the chance to survive but to thrive, ensuring that children are healthier and better nourished,” she said.
Lafoucriere commended the Bayelsa State Government, the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Management Board, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for investing in the future of children in the state.
Earlier, the Director of Nutrition, Mrs. Rose Okpara, underscored the importance of collaboration among government agencies, development partners and other stakeholders, saying sustained coordination would be essential to achieving the programme’s objectives.
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