The Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has officially launched the fourth phase of restocking the “Nonye’s Healthy Pap Banks,” a community-driven nutritional programme operating across all 21 local government areas of the state.
The event, held in Awka, reaffirms the commitment to tackling child malnutrition through the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative.
Since its launch in August 2024, the programme has produced and distributed over 12,000 packs of locally formulated pap, achieving a recovery rate of more than 50 per cent among malnourished children.
“We cannot rest until every child in need has access to this nutritional supplement,” Mrs Soludo declared, praising local health workers, especially ward-level officers, for their dedication to distribution and record-keeping.
Sustainable, Homegrown Solution to Malnutrition
Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, who coordinates the initiative, highlighted the nutritional benefits and specialised production methods of the pap.
He noted that this fourth restocking phase marks the programme’s strengthening as a sustainable, local response to malnutrition.
“This is not merely a feeding programme. It is a scientific intervention based on nutrition and tailored to our local context,” Dr Obidike explained.
Broad Support from Stakeholders
In goodwill messages, the Anambra State Coordinator of the World Health Organisation, Dr Mohammed Bonos, and the traditional ruler of Aguleri, Igwe Michael Idigo, praised the programme as a model for grassroots health interventions. Both stressed the vital role of proper nutrition in public health and child survival.
Dr Rose Amasiani, State Nutrition Officer, described the pap as fortified and nutrient-rich, made from organic, locally sourced ingredients.
She added that the supplement addresses nutritional deficiencies in both children and adults.
Mrs Jane Umeugo, a dietician at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, reported that children admitted for malnutrition in their paediatric unit usually take up to two months to recover, but with the pap, discharge can occur in as little as five days.
