ABSTRACT

Malnutrition is a serious health problem affecting women during pregnancy and childbirth, which puts their children at a greater risk of poor physical and mental developmental path. An optimal maternal nutrition status is crucial as the nutritional status of the infant is greatly dependent on the mother’s nutritional status before conception and during pregnancy. This study assesses the maternal and child nutrition specific programs across some selected Health facilities in Umuahia Metropolis. A multi-stage Sampling technique was used to select the respondents, In the first stage, Umuahia North and four (4) Primary health centres in Umuahia North were purposefully selected for the study. In the second stage, the sample frame was shared equally between the four primary health centres. A structured and validated questionnaire was used in data collection. Data collected includes demographic characteristics of health workers working, the knowledge of the health workers about the maternal and child health program the maternal nutrition specific programs carried out by health workers and the child nutrition specific programs carried out by the health workers in the facilities. The results shows that All respondents (100%) indicated that their health facility carries out nutrition-specific programs and all (100%) confirmed that mothers participate in these programs. This All (100%) respondents reported that the health facility gives out nutrient supplements as part of the specific programs. (63.7%) mentioned that supplements are "easily accessible, (88.2%) responded they have received iron folic acid supplementation 53.6% responded with a “Yes” language was a barrier.  the respondent agreed that all the children receive routine immunization and majority receive vitamin A supplementation and deworming tablet. Based on the challenges affecting the Nutrition specific program by the health workers, the results revealed that lack of adequate facility in the health care facility and Poor transport system was a majority challenge. The government and health workers should put in effort in promoting maternal and child specific program in the Community-based and nutrition education is essential to ensure that all mothers are well-informed about the advantages of nutrition specific programs