Red Cross Takes Door-to-Door Campaign Against Child Malnutrition to Sokoto Communities
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Sokoto State Branch, has stepped up its campaign against child malnutrition through its Malnutrition Emergency Appeal Programme (MEAP), implementing a series of nutrition and hygiene interventions across Sokoto North, Sokoto South and Wamakko.
As part of the initiative, trained Red Cross volunteers carried out a two-day house-to-house screening exercise, using Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tapes to assess the nutritional status of children between six and 59 months and identify cases of Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM).
The Sokoto State Branch Communication and PMER Officer, Yahaya Ishaq, said the exercise was designed to ensure that vulnerable children receive early diagnosis and timely treatment.
“This proactive approach ensures early detection and timely intervention for vulnerable children within the targeted communities,” he said.
Children diagnosed with Moderate Acute Malnutrition were immediately enrolled in the programme and provided with Tom Brown, a locally produced, nutrient-dense supplementary food aimed at improving their nutritional status. Caregivers were also trained on the proper preparation and administration of the food to ensure optimal results.
The intervention also placed strong emphasis on hygiene promotion to help prevent infections that contribute to malnutrition.
Through Mothers’ Club meetings held in the benefiting communities, Red Cross volunteers educated caregivers on good hygiene practices, sanitation, and disease prevention. Hygiene kits were distributed to the most vulnerable households to support healthier living conditions.
The NRCS said the integrated intervention, which combines nutrition screening, supplementary feeding and hygiene education, reflects its commitment to addressing the root causes of malnutrition while strengthening the resilience of communities.
The society reaffirmed its dedication to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable children and families through sustainable, community-driven humanitarian programmes, stressing that the continued participation of mothers and caregivers remains essential to the success of the initiative.
