FG to Provide Food Support for Vulnerable Mothers Nationwide

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), will deploy a network of 13,000 primary health care centers (PHCs) to deliver nutritional food support to vulnerable pregnant women and children under six. Dr. Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, announced this initiative on Tuesday in Abuja, outlining the operational framework of the newly launched National Community Food Bank Intervention, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu's eight-point agenda.

This intervention is not a standalone food distribution scheme but is integrated with maternal and child health services delivered through PHCs nationwide. Trained health workers will assess the vulnerability status of pregnant women and young children during facility visits and enroll eligible beneficiaries into a digital database linked to the national identification number (NIN).

Beneficiaries will receive monthly food supply vouchers redeemable at community food banks near PHCs. The initiative aims to stimulate local economies by sourcing food items from local farmers and fishermen, ensuring community ownership and minimizing leakage.