In a bid to combat child malnutrition and empower women economically, Governor Mallam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State presided over the graduation ceremony of 600 women trained in the production of locally sourced, ready-to-use nutritious formula, popularly known as ‘Tom Brown.’ The ceremony took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Dutse.
The governor described the initiative as a deliberate, homegrown solution to address the twin challenges of child malnutrition and women’s economic empowerment. He emphasized that the program will not only empower the trained women to improve their means of livelihood but also serve as a formidable strategy in addressing the challenge of malnutrition in children.
The Tom Brown initiative, also known as Kwashpap, has been proven to be a viable supplement for managing moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) using a blend of locally available ingredients such as millet, groundnut, and soybeans. The governor disclosed that the initiative aligns with Jigawa’s broader nutritional policies, which have begun to yield progress, citing a decline in stunting rates from 64% in 2018 to about 55% according to the 2024 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
Each of the 600 beneficiaries has been provided with starter packages, including sealing machines and essential raw materials, to kick-start their ventures in local Tom Brown production. The local governments and primary healthcare centers across the state will collaborate to ensure the adoption and integration of these programs into child nutrition programs.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to reducing reliance on costly imported therapeutic foods by promoting locally made, cost-effective alternatives. He also announced Jigawa’s participation in the World Bank-supported Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project, which focuses on improving access to quality nutrition services for women and children under five.
The ANRiN project aims to increase the utilization of high-quality and cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women and children under five years of age. The governor emphasized that this project will play a significant role in fast-tracking progress towards achieving nutrition security for children in Jigawa.
The graduation of 600 women in Tom Brown production is a significant step towards empowering women and improving nutrition in Jigawa. The initiative has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and women in the state, and it is a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges of malnutrition and promoting economic empowerment.
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