This initiative, announced Tuesday, includes the film ‘Beta Food, Beta Life,’ which promotes improved nutrition and healthier eating habits among Nigerian families, thereby supporting maternal and child health initiatives.
The announcement was made during a private screening at EbonyLife Cinema, Victoria Island, Lagos.
USAID data indicates that malnutrition constitutes a major public health concern in Nigeria, affecting over 3.6 million children annually with severe acute malnutrition.
This condition contributes to 50 percent of mortality in children under five, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced public awareness and behavioral modification.
The film project seeks to bring attention to these concerning statistics and motivate positive changes in nutritional practices throughout the nation.
USAID’s Advancing Nutrition Activity, a primary collaborator in this endeavor, is a $35 million initiative that partners with the Nigerian government and organizations like Helen Keller International.
The program aims to enhance nutrition services and deliver life-saving interventions, especially during the vital first 1,000 days of a child's life.
In her role as USAID Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, Chioma Akpotha leverages her celebrity status and narrative skills to increase awareness of malnutrition and encourage healthier family practices, according to the statement.
During the event, Akpotha highlighted the importance of innovative communication channels in effecting positive change, stating, "As a mother and storyteller, I understand the profound impact of nutrition on children's health and future prospects."
Through Beta Food and Beta Life, I aim to harness the influence of film to initiate discussions and motivate families to adopt healthier lifestyles, even when faced with obstacles. Collaborating with USAID enables me to enhance this message and extend our reach to communities throughout Nigeria, providing them with the necessary resources and information to create brighter, healthier futures for their children.
USAID Health, Population, and Nutrition Specialist Foyeke Oyedokun stated that the collaboration with Chioma serves as a prime example of how creative teamwork can effectively address complex challenges.
Oyedokun further noted that Chioma's ability to engage audiences and communicate impactful narratives significantly enhances their mission to improve nutrition in Nigeria. They are jointly dedicated to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive and lead healthy lives.