About 1.5 million people in Kaduna State have benefited from the nutritional support intervention offered through the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) project.
Implemented by the Society for Family Health (SFH), this initiative aims to confront the persistent challenge of malnutrition in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Kaduna State Ministry of Health and Society for Family Health (SFH) program on the ANRIN project dissemination, SFH Managing Director Dr. Omokhudu Idogho said that with the support of the World Bank, this initiative was implemented in 12 high-burden states, including Kaduna, to increase the utilization of quality, cost-effective nutrition services.
Represented by AbdulSamad Salihu, Chief of Party Society for Family Health, Dr. Idogho said that over the years, their efforts have contributed to reducing chronic malnutrition, maternal and child mortality rates, and improving broader development indicators such as school completion rates and labor force productivity.
“Today, we celebrate a project that has delivered life-saving interventions through an integrated approach, addressing maternal, infant, and young child nutrition, adolescent health, and family planning. We have made remarkable strides in Kaduna State, reaching over 1.5 million beneficiaries—pregnant women, adolescent girls, and children under five—through over 9.4 million service contacts,” he said.
He further added that this achievement represents 108% of their performance target and is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and resilience of all those involved.
He explained that the key to this success has been the PUSH framework—Plan, Utilize, Support, and Harmonize—which has guided their efforts to optimize planning, resource utilization, and collaboration for sustainability.
Dr. Idogho said that through house-to-house visits, facility-based services, and community outreaches, they delivered essential commodities such as micronutrient powders, iron and folic acid tablets, vitamin A supplements, and family planning services to those who needed them most.
He expressed pride in supporting Kaduna State’s efforts to increase access to essential nutrition services for all people and to the affordable, safe, healthy, and sustainable nutrients they need to live full and healthy lives.
The State Commissioner for health Umma K. Ahmed said the state have make a substantial strive towards better health outcomes for the for the people of the state.
She said the ANRIN project has played an important role in addressing malnutrition and improving the lives of thousand of families across the state.
She added that through the community based interventions radio program and capacity building, the project have strengthen their fight against malnutrition and ensures access to essential nutrition service.
According to her, the recent national democratic and health survey (NDHS) the state achieved a 15.4 per cent reduction in stunting among children with 0-5 year old.
“In 2018, the stunting rate stood at 48.1per cent .today we celebrate the significant progress that has brought this figure down to 40.7 per cent in 2024,” he said.
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