The Ekiti State government has urged nursing mothers and caregivers to adopt proper breastfeeding practices to ensure the healthy growth and development of infants and young children.
The call was made by the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, at a 9-day Training of Trainers on Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) held in Ado-Ekiti.
The training, which aimed to build the capacity of health workers to deliver quality MIYCN services, was attended by 81 participants from various agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, World Bank ANRiN project, and State Ministry of Health.
Dr. Filani emphasized the importance of the first 1000 days of life for ensuring appropriate growth and development, and noted that over two-thirds of malnutrition-related deaths in Nigeria occur in the first year of life.
He expressed appreciation for the support of the Ekiti State Governor and Minister of Health and Social Welfare for institutionalizing the MIYCN course in the state.
The State Nutrition Officer, Dr. Bolanle Olorunyomi, noted that nutrition is a critical determinant of good health and requires universal coverage. She explained that the training would be stepped down to primary and secondary facilities in the state to ensure optimal MIYCN service delivery.
The training covered topics such as counseling skills, adolescent and maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, breastfeeding difficulties, and complimentary feeding.
