The Health and Lifestyle Awareness Development Initiative (HLADI) proudly collaborated with the Nutrition Department of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to provide extensive technical and digital support during the Sub-national Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Training, held from March 18–25, 2024. This nationwide capacity-building initiative reached all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aiming to strengthen MIYCN practices and improve nutrition outcomes for mothers and young children across Nigeria.
HLADI is honored to have played a central role in this landmark program, reinforcing our commitment to advancing public health, nutrition, and digital innovation.
The MIYCN Program: Strengthening Nutrition for Mothers and Children
The MIYCN program focuses on essential feeding and care practices that support the health and survival of mothers, infants, and young children. Core themes of the training included:
1. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life
2. Continued breastfeeding alongside complementary feeding up to two years and beyond
3. Adequate maternal nutrition before, during, and after pregnancy
4. Optimal complementary feeding practices for infants and young children
5. Hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent infections
6. Correct breastfeeding techniques, including proper attachment and positioning
These practices form the backbone of improved child growth, reduced mortality, and enhanced maternal well-being.
HLADI’s Digital Solution: A Nationwide MIYCN Portal
To ensure seamless coordination and monitoring, HLADI developed an innovative MIYCN digital portal used by 2,997 participants across the country. The platform enabled participants to:
- Complete pre-test and post-test assessments
- Submit daily evaluation form
- Track online attendance for all training sessions
- Securely register and store participant data for future reference
This digital innovation greatly increased efficiency, reduced administrative bottlenecks, and ensured real-time monitoring of learning outcomes.
Deployment Across 36 States and the FCT
HLADI deployed trained digital support staff across all 36 states and the FCT to provide on-site technical assistance throughout the training. Their responsibilities included:
- Assisting participants with online registration
- Guiding trainees on how to use the portal
- Troubleshooting technical issues during assessments
- Ensuring full participation and accurate attendance tracking
Their presence ensured that digital processes were accessible, reliable, and fully integrated into the training experience.
A Collaborative Effort for Improved Nutrition
The success of the Sub-national MIYCN training reflects HLADI’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health systems and empowering frontline health advocates. Through this collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, HLADI helped build capacity in thousands of stakeholders—health workers, program managers, and community advocates—who play a vital role in improving maternal and child nutrition nationwide.
Conclusion
HLADI remains deeply committed to advancing public health and nutrition across Nigeria. Our role in the nationwide MIYCN training demonstrates our dedication to improving service delivery, strengthening digital systems, and empowering communities.
Together with our government partners, HLADI will continue to champion initiatives that create a healthier, more nourished future for mothers, infants, and young children across all regions of the country.