In a decisive move to combat rising cases of acute malnutrition among children under five, the Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office in Akwa Ibom, Lady Helen Eno Obareki on Monday flagged off the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) Out-Patient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) at Primary Health Care Operational Base in Etinan Local Government Area.
The intervention, which provides a lifeline for malnourished children in underserved communities, was spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development Agency, and Helen Keller International.
Speaking at the launch, Lady Obareki described the establishment of the IMAM site as a “powerful declaration” of the state’s commitment to child survival and well-being, aligning with the maternal and child health focus of the ARISE Agenda of Governor Pastor Umo Eno and the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA).
According to her, “This initiative is more than just policy, it is life-saving action.
“It underscores the unwavering commitment of Governor Umo Eno’s administration to make maternal and child health a non-negotiable priority.”
The OTP site will serve as a specialised centre for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of children suffering from acute malnutrition.
Lady Obareki urged mothers and caregivers to utilise the facility and commended health workers as “frontline heroes” for their dedication and service.
She further pledged the continued support of the Office of the First Lady and GIFA to fight malnutrition and foster partnerships aimed at securing a healthier future for every child in Akwa Ibom.
In recognition of her advocacy and leadership in maternal and child nutrition, Lady Helen Obareki was honoured as a “Nutrition Champion” by the Federal and State Ministries of Health.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who was represented by Mr Joseph Esidem, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to child health, particularly among vulnerable populations, through the ARISE Agenda’s health pillar.
Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Hon. Uko Umo, expressed appreciation to Helen Keller International for selecting Etinan as one of the programme’s launch sites, pledging local government collaboration in sustaining the initiative.
Also speaking, Ms Delphine Danboyi, representative of the Country Director of Helen Keller International, highlighted the critical role of the IMAM sites in Etinan and Nsit Atai in addressing acute malnutrition and saving lives in rural communities.
Officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development Agency (AKSPHCDA) lauded the collaborative effort behind the project, and commended health workers and community volunteers at the forefront of the fight against malnutrition.
