Group Takes Nutrition Awareness Campaign To Mothers In Kebbi
From : Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi
The Kebbi State chapter of Progressive Women and Youth Development (PWYD) has taken its nutrition awareness campaign to the Antenatal Care (ANC) Unit of Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi.
Aimed at educating pregnant and nursing mothers on the nutritional value of locally available foods and promoting healthier dietary practices to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
The campaign which was organised by the Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Mrs Hassana Samuel stated that the initiative focused on affordable and nutritious local food options that could support healthy pregnancies and child development.
The organisation displayed a variety of local foods, including soya beans, millet, watermelon, sweet potatoes, groundnuts, fish and other nutrition items.
Mrs. Samuel explained that the initiative was designed to address malnutrition among women, particularly pregnant mothers, through improved knowledge of balanced diets and nutrition.
According to her, many maternal health complications, including severe anaemia, are linked to poor nutrition and inadequate understanding of how to combine foods for maximum nutritional benefits.
She explained further that the essence of bringing this awareness campaign to the anti natal care unit is to enlighten women in our communities on how they can access affordable and nutritious meals from the local foods available around them.
“These foods contain the nutrients needed for healthy pregnancies, but many women are unaware of how to combine them properly to derive maximum nutritional values and benefits.”
The organiser of the event emphasised the importance of encouraging households to retain part of their harvested food products for family consumption instead of selling them after harvest.
“We are equally promoting the consumption of local foods. People should understand that they do not need to sell all their farm produce after harvesSome should be preserved for household nutrition,” she added.” She said.
