The Health and Lifestyle Awareness Development Initiative (HLADI) proudly participated in a critical three-day national meeting convened to finalize and validate the National Guidelines for Preventing Wasting and Nutritional Edema in Nigeria. The meeting brought together key nutrition stakeholders—including government agencies, health professionals, development partners, civil society organizations, and technical experts—to strengthen Nigeria’s response to acute malnutrition.
Wasting and nutritional edema remain urgent public health issues, particularly among children under five and pregnant women. The finalization of these national guidelines represents a major step toward improving prevention, early detection, and effective management of acute malnutrition across the country.
HLADI’s Contribution: Advancing IMAM Through Technology
During the meeting, HLADI delivered a high-level presentation showcasing innovative information technology (IT) solutions designed to enhance the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) program.
HLADI emphasized the role of digital transformation in strengthening Nigeria’s nutrition systems through:
1. Data Management and Analytics
Using digital platforms to collect, analyze, and interpret malnutrition data from all 36 states and the FCT—allowing for:
- Real-time case tracking
- Identification of trends and gaps
- Quick decision-making and resource allocation
2. Training and Capacity Building
Advocating for nationwide training of healthcare workers to effectively use IT tools in IMAM implementation. This ensures improved service delivery and accurate reporting.
3. Community Engagement
Highlighting the importance of community-based digital tools for:
- Awareness creation
- Reporting early warning signs
- Linking households to nutrition services
4. Monitoring and Evaluation
Introducing IT-enabled M&E systems to support:
- Real-time supervision
- Performance tracking
- Adherence to national guidelines
- Periodic evaluation using measurable indicators
HLADI’s presentation demonstrated how technology can significantly strengthen program quality, expand coverage, and improve health outcomes.
A Collaborative Effort to Improve Nutrition Governance
Throughout the three-day meeting, participants shared practical experiences and challenges related to acute malnutrition prevention, case management, and service delivery. The discussions provided valuable insights that informed the refinement of the guidelines.
Stakeholders reviewed and validated key components such as:
- Community-based acute malnutrition screening
- Facility-level treatment protocols
- Supply chain and logistics considerations
- Referral pathways
- Preventive strategies, including infant feeding and maternal nutrition
- Data reporting and supervision structures
This collaborative approach ensured that the final guidelines are comprehensive, realistic, and aligned with Nigeria’s nutrition priorities.
HLADI’s Ongoing Commitment
HLADI remains deeply committed to:
- Supporting the rollout of the validated guidelines
- Strengthening IMAM implementation using digital innovations
- Enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers
- Supporting government-led efforts to reduce malnutrition
- Promoting evidence-based and community-driven solutions
By integrating technology with nutrition programming, HLADI continues to contribute meaningfully to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable populations nationwide.
Conclusion
HLADI’s participation in the guideline validation meeting reaffirmed its role as a key stakeholder in Nigeria’s fight against malnutrition. The organization’s contribution—particularly in digital transformation and program monitoring—demonstrates its dedication to promoting efficient, data-driven, and sustainable approaches to preventing wasting and nutritional edema.
Together with government and partners, HLADI remains committed to shaping a healthier future for children, women, and communities across Nigeria.