By Peace Udugba
Caregivers and children at risk of malnutrition in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area have benefited from targeted nutrition support and basic healthcare services under the latest outreach of Project BLOOM (Bringing Life to Our Overlooked Minors).
The initiative, funded by Nigerian Exchange Group Plc and implemented by Health Emergency Initiative in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, is aimed at addressing critical healthcare and nutrition gaps in underserved communities across Lagos State.
During the latest outreach, 130 children between the ages of six and 60 months, alongside their caregivers, received support through Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) screening, health assessments, nutritional interventions, and caregiver education.
Findings from the screening revealed a high burden of malnutrition among the children, with 78 identified as severely malnourished and 30 as mildly malnourished, highlighting the urgent need for sustained intervention and community-based healthcare support.
Beyond immediate medical and nutritional care, caregivers were also provided with practical knowledge and guidance to help sustain recovery and improve child nutrition at home.
With the inclusion of Oshodi-Isolo, Project BLOOM has now reached more than 450 children and 430 caregivers across Yaba, Ajegunle, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo communities.
Staff volunteers from NGX Group participated in all phases of the outreach, supporting healthcare professionals in screening, documentation, and coordination activities. Follow-up engagements are also planned to ensure continuity of care for beneficiaries.
One of the caregiver beneficiaries described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that the support received not only addressed her child’s immediate health needs but also equipped her with the confidence and knowledge to aid recovery.
Speaking on the initiative, Head of Group Communications and Partnerships at Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Clifford Akpolo, said the project continues to create direct and measurable impact at the grassroots level.
“What stands out with Project BLOOM is the direct connection between intervention and impact at the community level. Beyond delivering critical nutrition and healthcare support, the initiative is also strengthening a culture of employee volunteering across NGX Group, with our people actively contributing to the outreach efforts,” he said.
“It reflects how purposeful partnerships and employee engagement can come together to drive meaningful, sustained outcomes in underserved communities.”
Executive Director of Health Emergency Initiative, Pascal Achunine, stressed the importance of early intervention in tackling child malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable communities.
“Malnutrition remains a leading contributor to under-five mortality, particularly in underserved communities. Early intervention, combined with consistent monitoring and caregiver education, can significantly improve outcomes,” he stated.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, District VI, Oshodi-Isolo LGA, Omololu Olufemi Motunolani, noted that the initiative complements government efforts aimed at reducing malnutrition through early detection and timely intervention.
With additional outreach programmes planned, Project BLOOM is expected to further expand access to essential nutrition and healthcare services for vulnerable children and families across Lagos State.
