Kogi health workers begin large-scale training to combat child malnutrition, as Governor Ododo launches strategic health intervention across the state

Kogi health workers have commenced a major training initiative aimed at combating malnutrition among children and vulnerable groups across the state.

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Governor Ahmed Ododo, represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ali Bello, unveiled the programme on Monday during the launch of the Training of Trainers on Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition.

The governor said the programme forms part of his administration’s broader strategy to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

“This training will equip our frontline health workers, community volunteers, and other personnel with the capacity to prevent, identify and manage acute malnutrition,” he said.

According to him, the training is part of a plan to build long-term resilience through nutrition and healthcare services.

He highlighted that the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to age two, are crucial for healthy development. “Timely nutritional support during this stage can be life-saving,” he added.

Governor Ododo noted that the state has already invested hundreds of millions of naira in therapeutic foods, which will be distributed to all referral centres.

In addition, three new IMAM Stabilisation Centres have been approved to manage severe cases.

He also announced the rollout of community outreach across all local government areas.

The Kogi State Health Insurance Agency has been directed to fully cover treatment costs for children with co-morbidities who report at referral centres.

The governor urged traditional leaders, religious groups, and community-based organisations to mobilise residents to take advantage of the state-funded nutrition services.

Other efforts include the creation of nutrition departments in key ministries, budget allocations for food security programmes, and the training of over 10,000 women in homestead gardening.

These women will receive seedlings and farming tools to support local food production.

Dr Ayo Olayemi, Chief Medical Director of the Kogi State Hospital Management Board, described the six-day training as a significant step towards reversing poor nutrition outcomes in the state.

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“Despite past efforts, malnutrition remains a major public health concern. This initiative, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Adams Abdulazeez, marks a critical shift towards results-based intervention,” he said.