The dietary diversity modelling pilot project (DDMPP), has been described as a major catalyst that protects children against malnutrition and childhood killer diseases.
United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF),Nutrition Officer Kano Field Office, Mrs. Abigail Nyam, made the disclosure while leading a delegation of officials and journalists to kau-kau Fulani and Yandutse community, Bichi Bichi local government area.
According to her, (DDMPP) introduced by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with Kano state government and a Non Governmental Organization , Society for Women Development and Empowerment, is the first of its kind in Nigeria.
The nutrition officer pointed out that, the project is being run in forty four communities in Bichi local government, area and twenty eight in Sumaila, with a long-term plan to spread the project across the forty four local government areas in Kano state, and the entire nation.
She however noted that, fifteen women were selected in each community and provided with chickens, goats, fruits, vegetables and complementary feeding bowls to cater for children between 6-23 months.
On the logic behind distribution of the bowls and spoons, Mrs Abigail said, the cutleries were strictly made for the supplementary feeding of the children, to ensure quality, density and adequacy of the nutrients in the food.
The nutrition officer stressed that, officials from the state Ministry of Agriculture , volunteers from SWODEN, and community leaders also help towards ensuring that the project remain a success.
Amina Yunusa Kau-kau and Fatima Saidu Yan Dutse , both facilitators of the women groups visited by the team, maintained that, the pilot project has improved the lives of infants through adequate diet.
While commending the initiative, Hajara Sunusi, Sumayya Usman, Rahina Nasiru and Hindatu Umar who are all beneficiaries of DDMPP, called for sustainability of the project as it has impacted on the life of children and parents in the communities.
Radio Nigeria reports that ,the dietary diversity project tagged ‘complementry feeding bowl’ is aimed at improving the consumption of diverse diet among infants and young children.
KHADIJAH ALIYU