FIC Report (Imo State) – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at improving the health and nutritional well-being of women, children and families in Imo State through strengthened partnerships and sustained investment in nutrition-focused programmes.
This was highlighted during the opening of a three-day Review and Validation Meeting of the Nutrition Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Strategy for Imo State held in Owerri. The programme was organised by the Imo State Ministry of Health, the Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ISPHCDA), and UNICEF with support from the Gates Foundation.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of UNICEF Enugu Field Office, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, called for increased state investment in the Child Nutrition Fund to support the procurement of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) and other critical nutrition commodities for women and children.
She noted that improved access to nutrition interventions would help reduce maternal and child health challenges, including anaemia, low birth weight and other preventable complications, while also strengthening long-term healthcare outcomes.
Mrs. Chiluwe commended the Imo State Government and development partners for their commitment towards improving nutrition and healthcare delivery, assuring that UNICEF would continue to collaborate with stakeholders in promoting healthier communities and sustainable development.
Declaring the meeting open, the Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu, described nutrition as a critical foundation for human development, stressing that adequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life remains essential for the physical and cognitive development of children.
She explained that the Nutrition SBC Strategy adopts a people-centred approach aimed at encouraging healthier nutrition practices across different stages of life through advocacy, counselling, community engagement and strategic partnerships.
According to her, the strategy is designed to improve awareness, promote positive behavioural change and create supportive environments capable of reducing malnutrition and improving the quality of life of residents.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Anslem Anyanwu, observed that nutrition plays a major role in human capital development, educational attainment and economic productivity. He, however, noted that malnutrition remains a significant challenge among women and children, particularly within the critical first 1,000 days of life.
Anyanwu appreciated the support of the Gates Foundation and UNICEF towards scaling up Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation programmes for pregnant women across the state, noting that the initiative would contribute significantly to improved maternal and child health outcomes.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs. Kosilisochukwu Ekenjoku, stated that good nutrition remains central to building a productive society and strengthening sustainable development.
She acknowledged the contributions of the state government, UNICEF and donor agencies towards addressing malnutrition, while stressing the need for sustained awareness and community participation in nutrition-focused programmes.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Community Health Care Services, Dr. Okere Emeka Stanley, disclosed that efforts were ongoing to improve nutrition awareness through advocacy and antenatal care services across health facilities in the state.
He further stated that Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation is available free of charge in health centres, warning that anyone found commercialising the programme would face appropriate sanctions.
The meeting attracted commissioners, permanent secretaries, representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, development partners, academia and media practitioners, among other stakeholders committed to advancing nutrition and healthcare development in Imo State.
Chika Anurunwa
PIPRO/AMNIPR
19/5 2026
