Over 1.7 million residents from 16 Local Government Areas in Katsina State have received critical nutrition support under the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ARiN) project.

Vanguard reports that the ARiN project is a World Bank-funded initiative implemented through a partnership among the Federal Ministry of Health, Katsina State Ministry of Health, and non-state actors.

Speaking during the Katsina state ANRiN a project close out ceremony held on Thursday, November 28, in Abuja, Dr. Salifu Arome, the Executive Director of the African Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), one of the non- state actors, highlighted the project’s impact during an address.

 “AYGF, as the non-state actor implementing the ARiN project in Katsina State, has deployed essential nutritional services across 16 local government areas, targeting children under five, lactating, nursing, and expectant mothers,” he said. 

According to Dr. Arome, the foundation has delivered services to over 1.7 million beneficiaries, providing more than 4.5 million interventions, including folic acid, vitamin A, albendazole, micronutrient powders, and counseling services.

 “This was achieved within just one and a half years. We are thankful to God and to the support we received, ensuring the project’s successful implementation,” he added. 

On his part, Musa Adamu, Katsina State Commissioner for Health, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and food insecurity.

“Seeing is believing. No sociopolitical goal can be achieved without food security. The ARiN project showcases collaboration among federal, state governments, and the World Bank.

“In our current environment, with global warming and environmental degradation, this initiative brings immense relief to our people, and we thank the government for being proactive,” he said.

Dr. Umar Bello, the project coordinator of ARiN, noted the pivotal role of service providers and community volunteers in ensuring the project’s success.

“Community volunteers go house-to-house to ensure that targeted beneficiaries receive the interventions. Although implementation in Katsina started late, the two non-state actors involved have reached over 3 million beneficiaries within one and a half years, including a six-month extension period,” Bello explained.