370 pregnant women in Jigawa receive anaemia treatment

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370 pregnant women in Jigawa receive anaemia treatment

No fewer than 370 pregnant women in Jigawa, diagnosed with anaemia have benefited from medical interventions under the Reducing Anaemia Project.

The initiative, implemented by the Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE), a humanitarian non-governmental organisation, sought to tackle anaemia among vulnerable groups in the state.

Funded by Latter-day Saints Charity, an international donor organisation, the project focused on improving maternal and child health in Kiyawa and Jahun Local Government Areas.

The programme aimed to lower anaemia rates among pregnant women and children under five by providing essential healthcare support and nutrition education.

Speaking at the project’s closing ceremony in Dutse, Jigawa State’s capital, CARE’s Head of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Joel Musaruwa, highlighted the scope of the intervention.

He explained that beyond providing healthcare services, the initiative facilitated mother-to-mother support groups, conducted nutrition demonstrations, and offered social and educational resources to enhance maternal health.

“The project also trained pregnant women in homestead gardening, enabling them to cultivate vegetables within their homes and secure a nutritious diet to combat anaemia,” Musaruwa said.

He underscored the severity of anaemia as a public health issue in Nigeria, particularly among pregnant women and young children, stressing that the project was strategically designed to mitigate the problem.

“The Reducing Anaemia Project is a clear demonstration of CARE’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children,” he added.

Project coordinator Mr. Emmanuel Akpelu elaborated on the initiative’s goal of encouraging the production and consumption of iron-rich foods and supplements among pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as households with children under five.

Akpelu noted that the project had significantly reduced anaemia cases among its target population, with many beneficiaries expressing appreciation for the support.

“As the project comes to an end, we hope its impact will be sustained and that beneficiaries will continue to enjoy improved health and well-being,” he said.