The Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Kano State Chapter, in collaboration with the Institute of Dietetics in Nigeria (IDN), Association of Kano Nutrition and Dietetics Students (AKNADS), and BUK Alumni of Nutrition and Dietetics (BAND), successfully commemorated World Registered Nutritionist Dietitian Day 2026 through a series of impactful and community-oriented activities.
The celebration commenced on 1st April 2026 with a street walk aimed at raising awareness on the importance of optimal nutrition and the critical role of nutrition professionals in promoting healthier communities.
On 2nd April 2026, a capacity-building session on Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) was conducted at the Nutrition and Dietetics Department Conference Hall, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. The session was attended by 235 participants and built on ongoing advocacy efforts following a prior courtesy visit to the Kano State Head of Service.
As part of the outreach activities, a community intervention was carried out on 4th April 2026 at Chunkosa Community, Madobi LGA, reaching over 150 households, particularly women of reproductive age and children under five. Activities included house-to-house screening, nutrition education, and community cooking demonstrations. Households were assessed, counselled, and guided on improved nutrition practices. The cooking demonstrations emphasized the use of locally available and affordable foods, highlighting the inclusion of vegetables and protein sources to promote dietary diversity and improve household nutrition. In addition, fortified rice, Tom Brown (a nutritious complementary food), and deworming tablets were distributed to support improved nutritional and health outcomes.
Further activities included a public lecture held on 6th April 2026 at the School of Hygiene, themed “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” which featured a training session on the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition. The session provided participants with practical knowledge and reinforced the role of nutrition professionals in addressing malnutrition at the community level.
In continuation of the commemorative events, an orphanage visitation was conducted on 7th April 2026 at the Nassarawa Children’s Home as part of activities marking World Health Day. The visit featured interactive games, shared meals, and educational sessions aimed at promoting health and nutrition awareness among the children.
The series of activities significantly strengthened community awareness on nutrition, enhanced the capacity of nutrition stakeholders, and reinforced the critical role of nutrition professionals in improving public health outcomes. The collaboration further demonstrated the commitment of NSN and its partners to advancing nutrition education, promoting preventive health practices, and fostering sustainable community engagement across Kano State.
