Evaluation of Food Fortification Programme Management in Primary Healthcare Centres in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria

Food fortification represents one of the most cost-effective public health nutrition strategies for addressing micronutrient deficiency at population scale. In Kebbi State, where micronutrient deficiency disorders including anaemia, vitamin A deficiency, and iodine deficiency disorders are prevalent, fortified food products are distributed through primary healthcare centre networks. This study evaluated the management of food fortification programme implementation at forty primary healthcare centres across Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, and Yauri Local Government Areas. Data were collected through programme records review, direct observations, interviews with healthcare workers, and caregiver exit surveys. Assessment parameters included fortified product availability, storage conditions, record keeping accuracy, healthcare worker training levels, and caregiver counselling practices. Results showed that fortified food product stockouts occurred in 65 percent of facilities in the six months preceding the study. Storage conditions were suboptimal in 48 percent of centres, with products exposed to humidity and direct sunlight. Only 31 percent of healthcare workers had received formal training on fortification programme management. Caregiver counselling on product use was inadequate in 72 percent of surveyed interactions. The study recommends supply chain strengthening, targeted training for healthcare workers, and integration of fortification programme management into routine quality improvement frameworks at the primary healthcare level in Kebbi State. Keywords: food fortification, programme management, primary healthcare, micronutrient, Kebbi.