The Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Nasarawa State Chapter, observed the 2025 National Nutrition Week from 23rd to 28th November across key communities in the state. A zonal implementation strategy was adopted to ensure broad coverage, focusing on the Lafia Zone (Lafia and surrounding areas) and the Keffi Zone (Keffi, Karu and nearby communities). Major activity sites included NTA Lafia, Emir’s Palace Lafia, PHC Modern Market Lafia, NBS Lafia FM Station, NBS Lafia TV, Keffi Emir’s Palace, Keffi Local Government Secretariat, and tertiary institutions such as the College of Health Science and Technology (COHS), FAMSAS College of Health, and LIYU College of Health.
Key Activities:
Activities across both zones aligned with the national theme and centred on nutrition education, screenings, food demonstrations, media advocacy, road walks, and the distribution of locally made complementary foods, detergents to women, and fruits to children.
Lafia Zone Highlights:
- November 23: Official flag-off and media campaign at NTA Lafia (aired November 25), featuring discussions on sustainable diets.
- November 25: Community outreach at Emir’s Palace Lafia with awareness talks, nutritional screening, and distribution of complementary foods and fruits.
- November 26: Facility-based campaign at PHC Modern Market Lafia, including food demonstrations with local ingredients such as sweet potato and spinach, and malnutrition screening.
- November 27: Live sensitization programme on NBS Lafia FM, emphasizing adequate diets and male involvement in MIYCN.
- November 28: TV programme on NBS Lafia TV featuring expert discussions on obesity and healthy cooking methods.
Keffi Zone Highlights:
- November 23: Courtesy visits to key stakeholders, including IDN Patron and Grand Patron, Keffi Local Government Chairman, and engagements with broadcasting stations for the media launch.
- November 25: A nutrition walk from Keffi Emir’s Palace to the Local Government Secretariat, using placards to amplify messages on sustainable nutrition.
- November 26: Facility-based education and food demonstration at PHC Unguwan Waje, Keffi.
- November 27: Nutrition screening at the Nasarawa State College of Health Science and Technology (COHS), with additional school and workplace sensitization activities.
- November 28: Campus awareness campaigns at FAMSAS College of Health and LIYU College of Health.
Across all events, participants engaged in interactive discussions on wasting, stunting, sustainable household gardens, and practical nutrition solutions.
Participants and Funding Partners:
More than 500 participants attended activities across both zones, including NSN/IDN members, healthcare workers, students, women, children, and members of the public. Activities were largely self-funded through member contributions, as no external funding partners were secured.
Key Outcomes:
- Expanded Public Awareness: The campaign reached an estimated 1,000 individuals indirectly via media platforms. Follow-up responses showed improved knowledge of sustainable nutrition, with 80 % of surveyed participants indicating willingness to adopt home gardening.
- Health Impact: Nutrition screening for 100 individuals identified mild cases of malnutrition including wasting among children leading to prompt referrals to primary healthcare facilities. A total of 100 women and children received distributed food items, supporting immediate dietary needs.
- Strengthened Community Engagement: Road walks and stakeholder engagements resulted in stronger partnerships, including pledges from the Keffi Local Government Chairman to support future nutrition initiatives. Sessions encouraging male involvement helped foster family-inclusive nutrition practices.
- Promotion of Sustainability: Activities emphasized local foods, reduced post-harvest losses, sustainable diets, and strategies to address the double burden of malnutrition.
