AWKA/Nigeria: The wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, on Tuesday unveiled “Nonye’s Healthy Living Pap,” a new initiative aimed at addressing child malnutrition in the state.
The launch event took place at the Governor’s Lodge in Awka, where Dr. Soludo shared that the idea for the pap emerged following a discussion with a UNICEF delegation about combating child malnutrition.
Addressing attendees, Dr. Soludo highlighted concerning statistics: “According to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (2021), only 23.8 percent of infants in Anambra are exclusively breastfed, and only 45.6 percent of children meet the minimum diet diversity standard, which is below the South East zonal average of 56.9 percent.”
In response to these challenges, she introduced Nonye’s Healthy Living Pap, a natural formula designed to assist children with nutritional needs. “This complementary meal is provided free of charge due to the significant impact of food insecurity and socio-economic challenges on rural homes,” she added.
Dr. Soludo urged parents to focus on improving their children’s diet to eliminate malnutrition and improve the state’s position in under-five mortality rankings. “Our goal is to move from being the state with the second lowest number of under-five mortalities to the top position,” she stated.
Dr. Chioma Mbachu, a Consultant Pediatrician at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, emphasized the importance of nutrition for children’s growth and development. “A child’s diet should consist of vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, and protein. Each food group provides essential nutrients for optimal growth and health,” Mbachu said.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, praised the Healthy Living Pap as a significant solution to nutritional deficiencies. He explained that the pap would support breast milk for children over six months and outlined plans for distribution across the state: “We have established a seamless distribution pattern across the 21 local government areas, with referral centers to track and monitor each child’s progress.”
In related news, Dr. Nonye Soludo also marked her 54th birthday by sponsoring a free medical outreach for 5,000 vulnerable individuals in the state. The initiative, organized through the Healthy Living Initiative, provided health checks, including HIV status, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and eye examinations.
Beneficiaries also received wheelchairs, various vegetable seedlings, and other essential items. “The cost of food items is high due to a lack of local farming. By promoting backyard and organic farming, we can make food more affordable and nutritious,” Dr. Soludo explained.
Dr. Afam Obidike echoed the importance of regular health checks and encouraged residents to utilize upgraded healthcare centers in their communities. He commended Dr. Soludo for her commitment to supporting the vulnerable and improving public health on her birthday.
