A young Nigerian public health leader collaborates with US professionals to improve child nutrition in Katsina

In many insecurity-affected communities across Katsina State, childhood malnutrition remains a silent emergency. Displacement, poverty, weak healthcare systems, and poor nutrition practices continue to place thousands of children at risk of stunting, wasting, infections, and preventable deaths.

While many interventions focus mainly on food support, a young Nigerian public health leader is taking a broader and more sustainable approach by combining nutrition, behavioural science, adaptive leadership, and health systems strengthening.

The project, titled “Protect and Nourish: Promoting Healthy Behaviours to Reduce Malnutrition in Security-Compromised Communities of Katsina,” is being implemented under the Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange Program in collaboration with professionals from Texas Tech University, USA.

The initiative is led by Dr. Khalid Sunusi Kani, a Resident Doctor in Public Health with expertise in Health Policy and Systems Leadership.

According to him, the project was intentionally designed beyond the traditional model of nutrition programming to strengthen both communities and healthcare systems.

“Malnutrition is not only a food problem; it is also connected to behaviour, leadership, health systems, poverty, and community structures. That is why we designed the project around sustainable behaviour change and systems strengthening,” he explained.

One of the unique features of the project is its integration of the World Health Organization Health System Building Blocks to ensure long-term and sustainable impact within communities and health facilities.

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As part of the implementation, 30 healthcare workers and community volunteers were trained on childhood malnutrition, infant and young child feeding, behaviour change communication, and adaptive leadership. In addition, 50 caregivers received practical training sessions on exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, hygiene and sanitation, healthcare-seeking behaviour, and preparation of nutritious meals using locally available food substances.

A major highlight of the project was the session facilitated by Dr Conrad Lyford, Professor of Behavioural Economics at Texas Tech University, on “Behavioural Approaches to Improve Nutrition Practice.” The session introduced participants to practical behavioural science concepts such as the Health Belief Model, framing, loss aversion, status quo bias, social normalization, and behaviour change communication to improve nutrition practices at household and community levels.

Another impactful session was facilitated by Dr Jason Headrick, Professor of Leadership and Community Development at Texas Tech University, who trained participants on Adaptive Leadership and how healthcare workers can become effective problem-solvers and change agents within their facilities and communities.

The project also demonstrated strong stakeholder engagement and multisectoral collaboration. During the stakeholder engagement session, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Development Agency expressed strong appreciation for the project and its innovative approach toward tackling malnutrition and strengthening community systems.

More than 15 stakeholders participated in the engagement session, including representatives of government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, healthcare professionals, and community actors. Participants commended the project’s focus on sustainability, local ownership, and systems strengthening.

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Beyond physical trainings, the project is also leveraging traditional media and community advocacy to promote healthy nutrition behaviours. So far, more than 5,000 people have been reached through radio programs and media engagement activities focusing on child nutrition, hygiene, healthy feeding practices, and healthcare-seeking behaviour.

Throughout the implementation process, participants demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and commitment. Through role-plays, group discussions, Focus Group Discussions, and community action planning sessions, healthcare workers and caregivers developed practical strategies for improving nutrition outcomes within their communities.

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As Katsina State continues to face the combined challenges of insecurity, displacement, and strained health systems, initiatives such as Protect and Nourish demonstrate the importance of adaptive leadership, behaviour change approaches, and international collaboration in improving public health outcomes.

For many participants and stakeholders, the project represents more than just a nutrition intervention. It is gradually becoming a model for community-driven action, health systems strengthening, and sustainable behaviour change capable of improving the lives of vulnerable children and families across Katsina State and beyond.