Kogi Government Launches Training of 10,000 Health Workers to Tackle Child Malnutrition

Lokoja, In a major step towards combating acute malnutrition among children and vulnerable groups, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the training of 10,000 health workers across the state.

The initiative, which was officially launched on Monday, aims to build the capacity of frontline health personnel, including community volunteers and storekeepers, to effectively identify, manage, and prevent malnutrition. Representing the governor at the event was his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ali Bello.

Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving maternal and child health through sustainable nutrition-based interventions. He noted that the training is part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and ensure early intervention in malnutrition cases.

“The first 1,000 days of a child’s life from conception to age two are critical to long-term health and development. Timely nutritional support during this window can mean the difference between life and death,” the governor said.

Highlighting the state’s investment in child health, he revealed that therapeutic foods worth hundreds of millions of naira have already been procured and will soon be distributed to all designated referral centres across the state.

In addition, the governor announced the establishment of three Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) Stabilisation Centres to cater to severe cases. He also revealed plans for an extensive community outreach programme designed to detect and treat malnourished children in every local government area.

The state government says the initiative underscores its resolve to end childhood malnutrition and improve health outcomes for future generations in Kogi.