In an exciting collaboration aimed at addressing child nutrition, the World Food Programme (WFP), the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, and Choithrams Sierra Leone have officially launched Nyam Nyam Pap promotion in Freetown, an affordable and fortified complementary food for children under two years old. This groundbreaking initiative was celebrated at an event held at Choithrams supermarket,marking a significant milestone in improving the health and well-being of Sierra Leonean children.
Nyam Nyam Pap is proudly made by women groups in four small-scale factories in Pujehun and Kambia districts, emphasizing local production and sustainability. The product is designed to provide essential nutrients to children during their crucial early years of growth and development. Fortified with vitamins and minerals without additives, Nyam NyamPap supports families in ensuring their young ones receive the balanced nutrition needed to thrive.
Under this partnership, Nyam Nyam Pap will be prominently displayed and made available at Choithrams Hospital and supermarkets across Freetown and Kenema. This distribution strategy ensures accessibility and convenience for families seeking to enhance their children’s nutrition.
Speaking at the event, Yvonne Forsen, Country Director ofWFP emphasized the importance of tackling malnutrition through innovative, locally produced solutions. “This initiative represents a major step forward in promoting child health and reducing the prevalence of malnutrition in Sierra Leone. By making Nyam Nyam Pap accessible and affordable, we are empowering parents to give their children the best start in life,” said Yvonne.
Choithrams Sierra Leone echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in supporting the distribution of such a vital product. “At Choithrams, we are committed to initiatives that promote health and well-being and support local farmers. Nyam NyamPap will be sold in all our stores countrywide at cost recovery basis. Because the product is produced locally it will always be available and the country will not need to import baby food in future,” stated Mr. Harish Agnani, CEO Choithrams Group.
He further committed that Choithram would make the product available to other supermarkets bearing both transport and storage costs. He said that the aim was to support local women groups so that they can be self-sufficient.
With funding from the Government of France, the product was launched in 2023 and has helped thousands of children already in the districts where it is produced.
The promotion of Nyam Nyam Pap is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing critical public health challenges. Families nationwide now have access to a nutritious, locally made product that prioritizes the health and development of children under two years old. Together, the Ministry of Health, WFP, and Choithrams are paving the way for a healthier future for Sierra Leone’s youngest generation.
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