By NEXTER
A nutrition initiative jointly run by the Plateau State Government and UNICEF is bringing real-life benefits to households in Plateau state.
A cross section of nursing mothers in Jos South local government area of the state, told Journalists on Wednesday that the Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) have improved their children’s health and reduced feeding costs.
Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) are fortified, ready-to-use nutrition products designed to prevent malnutrition in infants and children particularly the first 1000 days
They contain essential vitamins, minerals, and energy-rich lipids that complement locally available foods, rather than replace them, helping to address nutrient gaps common in low-resource settings. SQ-LNS are typically given to children aged six to 23 months and are easy to use, requiring no cooking or refrigeration.
Jennifer Samson, a breastfeeding mother, said, “My baby is healthier and more active. I mix the supplement with her pap, and she gains strength quickly. I also spend less on feeding now.”
“Before, I spent a lot buying other ingredients. Now, I only need red millet to prepare pap with the supplement,” Samson added.
Mary Norgba, another nursing mother added, “The program has simplified nutrition at home. My child is thriving, and I no longer need multiple ingredients for pap. It really helps children grow well”.
Planang Wisituwe, another mother noted, “When my baby started receiving the nutrients, she gained weight from six kilograms to eight kilograms. She also began crawling and holding things for the first time”.
Paula Manaan Hata, focal person, Primary Health Care, Jos South local government said that all wards are now participating. Community mobilizers inform mothers of distribution days every Wednesday, and uptake has been high across the local government area.
“The SQ-LNS supplements help in supporting early intervention to prevent moderate and severe malnutrition among children aged six to 11 months.
Silas Nansel, Plateau State Nutrition Officer in an interaction with Journalists in Jos said that the programme began with N200 million released by the Plateau State Government, matched with another N200 million by UNICEF under the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF). This initial funding enabled distribution of SQ-LNS in two health facilities per local government area.
He noted that the programme has shown positive results and may be scaled to include children up to 23 months, depending on supplies adding that early indications show improvements in children’s growth, strength, and immunity, while families save on feeding expenses.
“The state government’s N200 million, matched with another N200 million by UNICEF, demonstrates a strong partnership. We are seeing real impacts on child health and hope to expand coverage to children up to 23 months in the near future.”
