By Abiodun JIMOH
Lagos State has wrapped up the Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) scale-up project, hailing remarkable progress in boosting maternal health, breastfeeding, and child nutrition since 2024.
The initiative, implemented by Alive & Thrive in partnership with the Lagos State Government, aimed to bring quality health care closer to families, strengthen primary health centres, and give children a healthier start in life.
Dr. Olawumi Ajayi, Lagos State Team Lead for FHI 360, described the project as a “transformative journey,” noting lessons learned and successes in empowering mothers with knowledge and access to better nutrition.
Delivering a message from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Mrs. Sarah Balogun praised the collaboration: “Every mother deserves a safe pregnancy and every child the best start in life. By joining forces, we are ensuring that mothers and children are not only surviving, but thriving.”
Other remarks came from Dr. Temitope Balogun, representing the Permanent Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Board, and Dr. Folashade Oludara, Director of Family Health and Nutrition, who both stressed the need to sustain the momentum.
Partners, including nutrition officers, programme officers, and NGOs such as the Champagne Foundation, shared experiences of how the project improved breastfeeding rates, child feeding practices, and maternal care.
The closeout reaffirmed Lagos’ determination to build on the gains and keep maternal and child health at the forefront of its public health priorities.
