By Philip Yatai

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) says it will promote egg consumption among children between six and 59 months in 210,000 households in Kaduna State.

GAIN’s Programme Manager, Irowa Erharbor, made the disclosure in Kaduna at a meeting to update stakeholders on the project implementation.

According to her, the measure would improve the nutritional status of children in the state to enable them start strong and develop to their full potential in life.

Erharbor explained that the pilot project, tagged “Better Diet for Children Campaign”, would be implemented in three Local Government Areas of the state.

She listed the local government areas as Chikun, Kaduna North and Kaduna South.

She described egg as a nature’s best wholesome food that contains about 23 minerals and vitamins needed for healthy growth and development of the child.

She said that egg would be promoted not only because of its richness in needed nutrients and vitamins for children but also because it is available and accessible.

“We are going to be doing that through a demand creation strategy, a two-fold communication approach namely above the line, using multi-media platforms and below the line communication targeting egg retailers and households.

“Above the line will focus on media campaign using radio, television and outdoor advertising among others, while below the line will involve direct engagement of households.

“This will be done through speaking directly with community members, organising compound show, food demonstration, including visits to open market, healthcare centres and other public gatherings to promote egg consumption,” she said.

Also speaking, Malam Salisu Lawal, Director, Development Aid Coordination, Planning and Budget Commission, thanked GAIN for supporting the state in the fight against malnutrition.

Lawal said that the gesture would go a long way in reducing the burden of malnutrition among children under five years in the state.

Similarly, Mrs Chinwe Eziefe, Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, equally commended the NGO for the initiative, stressing that the efforts would promote appropriate infant and young child feeding practices in the state.

Other stakeholders at the meeting include FHI360 Alive and Thrive, Save the Children International Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria and Kaduna State Emergency Nutrition Action Plan.