Golden Initiative For All, GIFA; a pet project of the Akwa Ibom State First lady has raised concern over the spate of malnourished children in Ikot Abasi local government area of the state.
This followed the identification of 19 malnourished children including a severely malnourished child during the Medical Missions of the Ibom Open Maternity, IOM, project in the area.
The exercise was organised in partnership with GIFA, and other stakeholders, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.
Leading the delegation from the Office of the First Lady, the Team Lead of GIFA, Pastor Anne Abraham, urged pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics regularly and deliver their babies in recognised healthcare facilities, stressing that proper care during pregnancy could significantly improve outcomes for both mother and child.
Beyond breastfeeding, Abraham stressed the need for mothers and caregivers to provide children with appropriate and nutritious diets as they grow, noting that healthy feeding practices are essential to maintaining a healthy weight and preventing malnutrition.
She, therefore moved for immediate attention and care to pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as children requiring healthcare and nutritional support.
“The need for improved child nutrition took centre stage in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, following the identification of 19 malnourished children, including one with severe malnutrition, during the Medical Missions of the Ibom Open Maternity IOM project, at Ikot Akan.” The statement from the media unit read.
Also speaking, the Wife of the Chairman of Ikot Abasi Local Government Council, Dr Idara Essien described the programme as a demonstration of support for vulnerable mothers, pregnant women and children facing nutritional challenges.
She said sustained collaboration among government, Non-Governmental Organisations and community stakeholders was necessary to improve access to maternal and child healthcare, particularly in underserved communities, reaffirming her commitment to the welfare of women and children
The nutrition team, led by Itohowo Iniobong and Blessing Afia, identified the cases of malnutrition during screening and immediately provided the affected children with multiple micronutrient supplements.
Their mothers and caregivers were also counselled on appropriate feeding practices, balanced diets and the importance of ensuring that children receive adequate nutrients necessary for proper physical and mental development.
During the outreach, beneficiaries received a range of medical services, including HIV screening, ultrasound scans and medications prescribed according to individual health needs, as well as the distribution of the GIFA patcare packs and other packs provided by the wife of the Local Government Chairman.
