Over 50% recovery rate recorded for Anambra Malnourished Children following use of Nonye's Healthy Living Pap

Mrs Soludo distributing the pap to LGAs Nutritional Officers

Kenechukwu Ofomah

Awka

Available data from supervisors of health, health professionals and heads of Primary Health Centres across Anambra State have shown an over fifty percent recovery rate in malnourished children in the state, following the introduction of the Nonye’s Healthy Living Pap.

This was revealed during a ceremony at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, during the re-distribution of Healthy Living Pap in PHCs and other health facilities in the state.

The pap was introduced free of charge into the state healthcare system for onward administration to children on the 23rd of August 2024.

The State Nutrition Officer, Dr Rose Amasiani disclosed that over 12,000 sachets of pap were shared during the launch last year, with over 50% recovery rate from malnutrition according to statistics taken. 

Describing the pap as fortified and nutritious, Amasiani said the components are locally sourced organic materials, with huge potential to correct nutritional deficiencies, not only in children but also in adults.

According to a dietician with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, Nnewi, Jane Umeugo, they were able to discharge all malnourished children in the paediatrics section of the hospital in five days, something that ordinarily takes two months or more.

She revealed that the Kwash Pap is a combination of legumes and cereals, which have high protein availability and essential amino acids to help malnourished children recover very fast.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said testimonies abound from parents and caregivers as to the potency of the Pap, adding that the initiative came about in response to a survey done by the UNICEF two years ago, which revealed worrying statistics of malnourished children in the state.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Anambra State Coordinator of the World Health Organization, Dr Bonos Mohammed, and the traditional ruler of Aguleri, Igwe Michael Idigo lauded the product as well-thought, insisting good nutrition is key to a healthy populace.

Addressing the gathering, the wife of the State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo said anything that has to do with health and wellbeing has been her passion all her life, describing health as the ultimate wealth.

She recalled her meeting with UNICEF representatives two years ago, where she was presented with scary figures on malnourished children, noting that the development was what gave birth to the Pap initiative.

Mrs Soludo expressed delight that the pap has been tested on 12,000 children with an over 50 percent recovery rate, saying the development is a great boost to do more.

“After that UNICEF meeting, I went back and worked on this pap with a nutritionist, and I am glad at the success story we have today. 

“From the testimonies we are getting from the nutritionists from the 21 LGAs, as well as mothers, it means we need to up our game,” she said.

The Anambra first lady described the pap as a nutrient-dense breakfast for everybody in the family, adding that his NGO, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo will scale the production.

She said her NGO is also teaching people how to produce the pap, to ensure that the increasing demand for it is met.

“It is about getting it right. The environment must be good, as well as the fermentation, because a lot of them go through fermentation, like soybeans and other legumes. 

“Once they get it right, we will have the right quantity required for consumption in the state. 

“For me, we have not achieved a comprehensive result if there are still children out there who need this supplement but have not gotten it. No child should die from malnutrition in Anambra State when we can do something,” she said.

The highlight of the event was the distribution of cartons of pap to health workers from the various local government areas.