The Federal Government in conjunction with the Groupe Speciale Mobile Association, GSMA have launched a programme that will tackle malnutrition with mobile phones in Nigeria. The official launch of the mNutrition Programme on Monday in Abuja was attended by stakeholders in the health and nutrition sector.
Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said several countries have been able to increase citizens’ access and nutritional services by delivering effective messages through mobile phones.
“Such messages typically focus on educational content geared towards improving nutritional practices such as the promotion of balanced diets, basic steps for improving nutritional content of locally available foods, encouraging exclusive breastfeeding of infants, and safe and appropriate complementary feeding of infants and young children,” the minister said.
The event was attended by the CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya who was represented by Kehinde Sanusi said the organization was passionate about Nigerians and their health and that triggered the partnership.
Speaking on behalf of GSMA, mHealth Market Engagement Manager, GSMA, Mr. Victor Ohuruogu, said mNutrition involves using mobile and wireless technology to support health and nutrition outcomes.
The nutrition initiative was first launched in September 2013. This GSMA’s 8-country initiative aims to improve the health of at least 0.5 million people by 2016, rising to 1 million by 2018. It is operational in Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Nigeria.
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