Bayelsa, UNICEF Launch N280m Malnutrition Project

The Bayelsa Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNICEF and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inaugurated a one-year project aimed at preventing malnutrition during the first 1,000 days of life on Tuesday in Yenagoa. UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Lagos, Ms Celine Lafoucriere, stated that the initiative targets pregnant women and children under two years across Bayelsa.

The project aims to detect and prevent malnutrition early during the critical period from pregnancy to a child's second birthday, which is crucial for physical and brain development. The funding for the project totals N280 million, with the Bayelsa Government and UNICEF each contributing N140 million.

Lafoucriere emphasized the importance of early nutrition in preventing stunting, which affects children's growth and cognitive development, leading to poor educational and economic outcomes. She commended the collaboration as a commitment to improving child nutrition and maternal health outcomes in the state.