By Nnedinma Okeke

The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Dr. Chizoba Prisca Ezeasor, has described the National Community Food Bank (NCFB) Programme as a major step towards tackling malnutrition, supporting vulnerable families, improving maternal and child health in Anambra State.

Ezeasor said this during an interview at the South East Zonal Launch of the NCFB Programme in Awka on Sept. 10, describing the intervention initiated by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, as a timely response to food insecurity and nutritional vulnerability.

She explained that the programme goes beyond food distribution, as it is designed to identify and support nutritionally vulnerable children under six, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, while linking eligible beneficiaries to appropriate primary healthcare services.

“The National Community Food Bank Programme is far more than an initiative for the distribution of food. It is a strategic and targeted nutrition intervention designed to identify, support malnourished and nutritionally vulnerable children under six years of age, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, while connecting them to appropriate primary healthcare services,” Ezeasor noted.

The ASPHCDA boss expressed appreciation to Senator Tinubu for the intervention, saying it would provide practical support to families facing food and nutrition challenges while strengthening the response to malnutrition.

She commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his administration’s investment in the health and welfare of Ndi Anambra, appreciating the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, for providing 1,000 additional food commodity packs to support the programme in the state.

Ezeasor acknowledged the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) team for training healthcare workers, providing technical support for the screening, verification and enrolment of eligible beneficiaries.

She said the agency would work to ensure that the intervention reaches the people who need it most, with implementation guided by transparency, fairness and accountability.

“Through coordinated efforts, we are committed to ensuring that this intervention reaches those who genuinely need it and that its implementation is guided by the principles of transparency, fairness and accountability,” she said.

She appreciated the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NPHCDA, the Bank of Agriculture and development partners for their contributions to the programme.

According to her, ASPHCDA would sustain nutrition screening and counselling through primary healthcare facilities, monitor beneficiaries and work with partners to ensure that the programme delivers lasting benefits beyond the launch.

Ezeasor called on parents, caregivers, communities, traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders to support the initiative and help ensure that food commodities reach the intended beneficiaries.

“Let us work together to ensure that these commodities reach the people for whom they are intended and that every beneficiary receives the care, dignity and support they deserve,” she added.

The South East Zonal Launch was attended by Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Governor Soludo; Dr. Nonye Soludo; the Executive Director/CEO of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina; representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Bank of Agriculture and development partners, as well as traditional and religious leaders, healthcare stakeholders and other guests.