The Health and Lifestyle Awareness Development Initiative (HLADI),
a dedicated non-governmental organization, has successfully partnered with the
Nutrition Department of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to
bolster maternal, infant, and young child nutrition across Nigeria. This
collaboration culminated in a significant training event held from March 18 to
25, 2024, aimed at equipping stakeholders with vital knowledge and skills in
MIYCN.
Throughout the training, HLADI developed an innovative MIYCN
portal, enabling all participants to register online, track their attendance,
complete daily evaluations, and undertake pre- and post-tests. This digital
platform was instrumental in streamlining the training process and ensuring
that each participant had access to the resources needed to enhance their
learning experience.
Our dedicated staff members were deployed across all 36 states and
the FCT to provide technical assistance and support for the MIYCN program. We
focused on promoting essential MIYCN practices, including:
The MIYCN Program: A Comprehensive Approach
The MIYCN program addresses the critical nutritional needs and
practices that underpin the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and
young children. Key components of the program include:
· . Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six
months of life.
· . Continued breastfeeding along with
complementary foods up to two years and beyond.
· . Adequate nutrition for women of childbearing
age, focusing on support before, during, and after pregnancy.
· . Optimal feeding practices for infants and
young children.
· . Hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent
infections.
· . Proper techniques for breastfeeding, including
attachment and positioning.
HLADI's Digital Solution: Enhancing Program Efficiency
HLADI made significant strides in the digital execution of the
MIYCN program by developing a dedicated website for the 2,997 participants.
This platform provided functionalities that included:
· .Completing pre- and post-test assessments.
· . Conducting daily evaluations.
· .Tracking online attendance for all training
activities.
· . Securely storing participant information for
future references.
To facilitate the seamless implementation of this program, HLADI
engaged a dedicated team of digital staff who were strategically positioned in
each of the 36 states. These professionals played a crucial role in providing
on-the-ground technical assistance, ensuring that all participants were
equipped with the necessary tools and resources to fully engage with the
training. Their support included troubleshooting technical issues, offering
training on the digital platform, and ensuring that all participants could
navigate the system effectively.
Moreover, HLADI invested significantly in the logistical needs of
the program, covering a variety of essential expenses to ensure a smooth
operation. This comprehensive support included the procurement of laptops and
other necessary digital equipment to facilitate remote learning, as well as
arranging accommodations for staff to ensure they were present and available to
assist participants throughout the training period. Transportation was also
coordinated to ensure that staff could travel efficiently to and from training
locations, and meals were provided to all participants and staff to foster a
conducive learning environment.
A Collaborative Effort: Empowering Health Advocates
This initiative exemplifies HLADI's unwavering commitment to
empowering health advocates and fostering positive health behaviors. By
partnering with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, HLADI has
played a pivotal role in enhancing the nutritional well-being of mothers and
children across Nigeria.
We take pride in the significant impact achieved through this
collaborative effort and are eager to continue our mission of promoting health
and wellness throughout Nigeria. Together, we aim to create a healthier future
for our communities.