In Nigeria preterm & small-for-gestational-age infants are born. 1 in 3 children under age 5 is stunted due to poor feeding in the early months of life. Many babies born underweight do not get the nutritional support needed to grow. Without proper feeding, they face infections, delayed growth, and early death. This project will provide nutrition packs, breastfeeding support, & follow-up for 1,500 underweight babies through trained health workers in rural health centers and informal settlements.
About 5.9 million babies are born in Nigeria each year, and 15% of these newborns have a low birth weight accounting for 25% of infant mortality. Most families cannot afford or access proper care. Many babies are fed watered-down cereal or local herbs instead of nutrient-rich foods. These babies remain weak, fall ill often, and may not survive their first year. The problem is worse in informal settlements and remote areas with few or no health services.
The project will supply ready-to-use nutrition packs for underweight babies and train mothers on safe feeding practices. Health workers will track growth and provide home visits where clinics are far. Local support groups will help mothers learn breastfeeding and infant feeding techniques. Through consistent feeding support, babies will gain weight and grow stronger during their first months of life
Babies who reach a healthy weight early have fewer infections and better brain growth. Parents will spend less on emergency treatment, and children will be more likely to start school with fewer delays. Local health workers will also gain experience in infant care and follow-up. With basic feeding support, families can raise healthier children even in low-income settings.
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