By Nnedinma Okeke
In preparation for the launch of the National Community Food Bank (NCFB) Programme, slated for September 10, in Anambra State, screening, verification and enrolment of eligible beneficiaries have commenced at designated healthcare facilities serving as zonal centres across the three senatorial zones of the state.
The designated NCFB centres are the Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCH), Amawbia, in Awka South LGA, serving Anambra Central; Aku Ezinifite PHC in Aguata LGA, serving Anambra South; and Basic PHC in Onitsha North LGA, serving Anambra North.
Speaking during the screening and assessment exercise at MCH Amawbia on September 9, the NPHCDA Director of Nutrition, Dr. Adebiyi Olatunde, explained that the exercise targets children under six years of age, pregnant women and lactating mothers to assess their nutritional status and determine eligibility for enrolment into the programme.
“This is essential in ensuring that moderately malnourished children, pregnant women and lactating mothers are identified and registered into the Anambra State National Community Food Bank Programme, an initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON.”
Also speaking, the NPHCDA Strategic Communication Specialist, Dr. Toyin Afachung, said the screening exercise was designed to assess women and children in Anambra communities who may be nutritionally vulnerable and determine their eligibility to benefit from the food distribution programme.
“The assessment is to ensure that children, pregnant women and lactating mothers who are underweight or malnourished are properly identified and enrolled to benefit from the programme,” she explained.
Dr. Afachung further disclosed that the launch of the NCFB Programme in Anambra State is the sixth zonal launch by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Bank of Agriculture.
“This marks the conclusion of the zonal launches across the country, while implementation of the programme is expected to extend to all 774 Local Government Areas across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” she added.
Some eligible beneficiaries, including Mrs. Ogochukwu Odah and Mrs. Ujunwa Nwaeme, both indigenes of Ebonyi State residing in Anambra, commended the First Lady for the initiative, describing it as a source of succour and hope for vulnerable families.
Similarly, Mrs. Chinaecherem Obiora and Mrs. Rejoice Samuel, both from Nwagu in Dunukofia LGA, Anambra State, expressed excitement and appreciation for the programme.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, and all supporting partners for the National Community Food Bank initiative, noting that the intervention would improve access to nutritious food for vulnerable women and children and contribute to better maternal and child nutrition outcomes in communities across the state.
Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
