Ekiti Trains Health Workers on Maternal, Child Nutrition, Promotes Exclusive Breastfeeding

The Ekiti State Government has commenced a five-day step-down training on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) for health professionals across the state as part of efforts to improve child and maternal health outcomes.

Speaking at the opening of the training programme in Ado -Ekiti, the State  Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said the programme was designed to deepen participants’ knowledge and strengthen their counselling and communication skills in supporting caregivers.

Filani, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, urged mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life because of its numerous health benefits for both mother and child.

He said proper feeding practices for mothers and young children would help improve immunity and promote healthier living among residents.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), Dr Funke Ogunbunmi, commended Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for his continued support for the health sector through the timely release of funds for health programmes across the state.

Ogunbunmi also advised residents to adopt healthy eating habits and maintain balanced diets.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Olusola Akinluyi, urged participants to pay close attention during the training to enhance their professional capacity.

Akinluyi lauded the governor for his commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of mothers and children in the state.

The Executive Secretary of SPHCDA, Dr Tunde Ogunsakin, charged participants to continue promoting healthy eating habits and ensure effective service delivery in their respective health facilities.

Earlier, the State Nutrition Officer, Dr Bolanle Olorunyomi, stressed that nutrition from conception through a child’s first two years remained critical to growth and development.

According to her, the health status of a mother directly affects pregnancy outcomes and child survival.

Olorunyomi explained that the training was aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality among children between six and 59 months through strengthened MIYCN practices across the state.

She added that facilitators and participants later visited the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital and the Primary Health Centre, Federal Housing, Ado-Ekiti, for practical sessions and assessments.

During the exercise, nursing mothers were educated on proper breastfeeding techniques and appropriate nutrition for children at different stages of development.