Alive & Thrive FHI360 closes MYCIN MMS Project, as Bauchi Govt vows to Sustain Life-saving Nutrition Interventions For Women and Children

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

The Bauchi State Government has pledged to sustain and expand the life-saving nutrition interventions initiated by the Alive & Thrive/FHI360 project, particularly the distribution of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women across the state.

The commitment was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, during the closeout ceremony of the Alive & Thrive Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) and MMS Project held in Bauchi.

Dr. Dambam stated that the government will increase health sector allocations in the state budget, in line with the Governor’s vision of prioritizing health. He emphasized the importance of building a people-centered health system, particularly in the area of nutrition, to ensure sustainability and community ownership of healthcare initiatives.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board (BSPHCB), Dr. Rilwanu Muhammad, highlighted the impact of the MMS intervention, noting that thousands of pregnant women have benefited from improved nutrition, leading to healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries.

He underscored the critical role of maternal and child nutrition in human capital development and reducing complications such as maternal anemia and low birth weight.

Dr. Muhammad added that the project has empowered mothers and caregivers with essential knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding, timely introduction of complementary foods, and continued breastfeeding up to two years, key practices that help reduce child mortality, malnutrition, and support cognitive development.

He assured that the state government will prioritize nutrition financing in future budgets to eliminate severe acute malnutrition and stunting across all communities. He further revealed plans to mainstream MIYCN and MMS interventions into the state’s primary healthcare system, ensuring continued access even after the project’s conclusion.

Representing the Country Director of Alive & Thrive, Dr. Victor Ogbodo, the Senior Technical Advisor for Maternal Nutrition, Dr. James Oloyede, appreciated the warm reception, collaboration, and unwavering support from the Bauchi State Government and communities.

He noted that since its scale-up in 2022, the project has improved access to high-quality diets for women and children, effectively addressing malnutrition and promoting healthier outcomes.

Earlier, the Alive & Thrive State Coordinator, Mr. Chidiebere Asimoji, highlighted the project’s accomplishments, including the training of 174 health workers, 57 BSPHCB personnel, and 323 community volunteers across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bauchi State.

He noted that the project also provided 50 smartphones to improve data collection in six LGAs and strengthened the capacity of 45 Civil Society Organizations to monitor maternal nutrition services and advocate against anemia.

Mr. Asimoji reported that the project reached a total of 493,799 individuals—78,309 adolescent girls, 68,293 women, and 151,737 men with messages promoting maternal, infant, and young child nutrition through house-to-house awareness campaigns.

As the Alive & Thrive project comes to a close, Bauchi State is set to build on its legacy, ensuring every mother and child receives the nutrition and care needed for a healthier future.