Project BLOOM Nigeria launches to tackle child malnutrition, targeting 350 children across Lagos in its first phase

Project BLOOM Nigeria, a life-saving initiative to combat child malnutrition, has officially launched through a collaboration between the Nigerian Exchange Group, Health Emergency Initiative, and the Lagos State Government.

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Unveiled at Aiyetoro Health Centre in Yaba, the project—Bringing Life to Our Overlooked Minors (B.L.O.O.M.)—targets children under five suffering from malnutrition, beginning with 350 children across six local government areas, including Lagos Mainland, Apapa, and Lagos Island.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Oludolapo Sotunde, Director of Medical Services and Disease Control for Lagos State Health District IV, emphasized that the program is more than just providing food.

“It involves education, monitoring, and continuous follow-up. Our local primary healthcare centres and government structures are tracking each child’s progress after the intervention,” she said.

To ensure accurate targeting, malnutrition trackers were deployed to identify children in need—especially those not showing up at health centers.

“They go into the community to find these children and bring them here,” Sotunde explained.

The initiative also focuses on locally available foods, with mothers taught how to prepare meals that improve nutrition using everyday ingredients.

Pascal Achunine, Executive Director of Health Emergency Initiative, described the collaboration as timely and necessary.

“The journey began about four months ago when the Nigerian Exchange approached us for a CSR project that directly addresses the needs of vulnerable populations. Together, we created Project BLOOM,” he said.

On the first day alone, nearly 100 children were supported with therapeutic meals and nutrition guidance.

“Malnutrition causes most deaths in children aged 0 to 5. This intervention will save lives,” Achunine added.

The impact was immediately visible. Children and mothers were given meals and food supplies at the event, many expressing gratitude with joy and relief.

One mother from Ajegunle said:

“I left my job today to come here because of what I heard. Thank you—they will keep growing now.”

Another mother from Makoko said:

“Most of the food my child eats—like biscuits and noodles—is processed. But the meals we were shown here are natural and nutritious. Thank you for taking care of us.”

The Project BLOOM Nigeria rollout will continue across other targeted communities as stakeholders scale up support.

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With a clear structure, community involvement, and multi-sector collaboration, it signals a hopeful turning point in the fight against child malnutrition in Lagos and beyond.