By Vasty Bala Johna, Gombe
A nutrition supplement called Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplement (SQ-LNS) is transforming the lives of children aged 6 to 23 months in Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State, with visible health benefits reported among beneficiaries.
The supplement is part of the Progressing Action on Resilient System for Nutrition Through Innovation and Partnership (PARSNIP) Project which began four to five years ago and implemented in Dukku, Kwami and Kaltungo local government areas of the state.mo
It contains micro and macro nutrients designed to prevent undernutrition and improve child survival, growth, and development.
UNICEF Nutrition Specialist Philomena Irene, who provided an overview of the project supported by Gombe State and the British government, said “The supplement ensures children receive at least one nutritious meal daily with essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins”.
According to her, over 106,000 children across Dukku, Kwami, and Kaltungo Local Government Areas have benefited from the programme since it began.
She noted that most children in the state rely heavily on starchy foods like rice, yam, and cassava, which are inadequate for their nutritional needs, especially after exclusive breast feeding
State Nutrition Officer Muhammad Bawa commended the initiative, saying SQ-LNS has prevented illness and death among children in the targeted areas. He praised the partnership between the state government and UNICEF in promoting child development.
Adding that each child receives 30 sachets monthly, taken once daily with pap and other meals, with remarkable health improvements recorded.
During a visit to Kwami, mothers testified to the supplement’s benefits. Hassana Babayo said her daughter has become very active, strong, and healthy since taking SQ-LNS. Asmau Tela, Saratu, and Hauwa Sani echoed similar experiences, noting their husbands’ satisfaction with the results.
However, mothers expressed concern over the current out of stock of the supplement and appealed for more supplies.
Responding on the shortage, the state Nutrition Officer assured that with the state government’s 500 million naira counterpart funding for the Children’s Nutrition Fund, SQ-LNS and other complementary foods will be available soon.