The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has selected actress Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha as the inaugural Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition in Nigeria.
This collaboration seeks to shed light on the crucial issue of malnutrition, a major problem affecting many Nigerians, particularly women and children. Malnutrition is a significant hurdle in Nigeria, with 3.6 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, accounting for half of all deaths in children under five. The high prevalence of malnutrition among women, teenagers, and young children poses a threat to community well-being and progress.
In partnership with the Nigerian government and citizens, the U.S. government, through USAID, is dedicated to addressing malnutrition by offering effective treatment for severe cases, coordinating nutrition services, and advocating proven approaches to enhance nutrition, particularly among mothers, infants, young children and adolescents. As the Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, Akpotha has committed to raising awareness on maternal health and child nutrition, promoting healthy practices, and communicating essential nutritional information.
“Chioma epitomises the spirit of advocacy and social engagement,” remarked USAID mission director, Melissa Jones. “Her devotion to maternal health and child welfare is a vocation—a vocation to utilise her influence for the greater good, amplify the voices of the marginalized, and motivate action and transformation.”
“We applaud this collaboration with Chioma Akpotha, marking a significant step in our pledge to cooperate with the Nigerian populace,” Jones continued. “Nutrition plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s general well-being and advancement, especially for its youth. By harnessing and leveraging its resources, Nigeria can progress towards greater prosperity and advancement.”
Akpotha expressed her excitement for the collaboration, declaring, “I am privileged to serve as USAID’s inaugural Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition in Nigeria. Maternal and child health is a cause I deeply care about and I am devoted to leveraging my platform to boost awareness and instigate positive transformation. Together with USAID, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of Nigerian families.”
Through this alliance, Akpotha’s sincere dedication to maternal and child health and nutrition, coupled with her influential platform and USAID’s backing, aims to ignite a nationwide movement towards improved nutrition and well-being for all Nigerians.
