LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin Health experts have reiterated the need for proper nutrition, especially in the first two years, to ensure linear growth for children under the ages of five.
According to them, early intervention strategies would prevent malnutrition and unnecessary weight gain.
This was noted at the launch of Bringing life to Our Overlooked Minors (BLOOM), a nutrition intervention programme of the Health Emergency Initiative in conjunction with the Lagos State Health District IV.
They also said proper nutrition in childhood is crucial for optimal physical and mental development, even as it plays a significant role in preventing chronic disease later in life.
Permanent Secretary of Health District IV, Dr. Abimbola Bowale, represented by the Director of Medical Services and Disease Control, Dr. Oludolapo Sotunde, noted that ‘a well-nourished child is the foundation of a healthy and prosperous society’.
He said: “We cannot overemphasize the significance of nutrition in the first five years of the life of children. These formative years are crucial for a child’s brain, body and immune system, which undergo rapid growth and development. “Unfortunately, many children miss this vital opportunity due to malnutrition, poor feeding practices and lack of access to health education.
“BLOOM project therefore focuses on conducting growth monitoring to track and support healthy child development, encouraging breastfeeding up to two years, delivering health education to empower mothers and caregivers, as well as promoting the use of appropriate locally- available foods to prepare nutrient-dense complementary meals.”
Executive Director of Health Emergency Initiative Dr. Achunine Pascal, who underscored the intervention’s urgency, said the organisation is leading the campaign to give children better chances at growth.
He said: “We cannot sit on the sideline while our children suffer from preventable malnutrition. Project BLOOM is about immediate action meeting needs now while creating a sustainable path forward for caregivers and their children”.
Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX group, Temi Popoola, represented by the Group Chief Finance, Investment and Strategy, Adebayo Opatade, described project BLOOM as ‘a clear demonstration of how we can leverage our platform, partnership and people to address urgent social challenges like child malnutrition. By empowering our employees to lead from the front, we are reinforcing our belief that sustainable impact is achieved when the private sector, government and civil society work together with urgency and purpose.
“This is not charity; it is an investment in the future resilience of our society and economy.”
Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) Dr. Bayo Adefuye, represented by the Chief of Staff, Dimeji Saheed, hailed the vision and compassion of the project BLOOM and pledged community support.
