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Smiling Hearts initiatives international is a humanitarian non-governmental, non profit organization founded in Nigeria, Borno state Maiduguri and has been in operation since 2016 as Zumunchi Hearts Initiatives International before its official registration with CAC on 10th October 2018 as Smiling Hearts Initiatives International.

Location Borno

Job Type  6 months (with possibility of extension)

Job purpose:

The post holder is responsible for the planning and implementation of comprehensive package of CMAM and Tom Brown program in the assigned location in collaboration with the Nutrition Project Manager, as well as the Health and Hygiene and sanitation staff in the location.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Support facilitators/health workers to refer severe acute malnutrition among children under five and pregnant and lactating mothers according to the Ministry of Health Nigeria IMAM guidelines.
  • Ensure that Facilitators are supported with equipment, reporting tools and other logistical needs necessary for screening, management and referral of malnutrition among the targeted beneficiaries
  • Strengthen the linkages between community-based health structures for early case identification, referral and management of Severe Acute Malnutrition.
  • Liaise with the district local government and other partners to ensure to organize and conduct Village Health Teams monthly/quarterly meetings
  • Ensure the implementation of mother support groups approach in the areas of implementation by supporting the Nutrition Assistant and community Based Facilitators in the identification of care groups, selection of house hold support groups and behavior change promotion among the communities.
  • Organize a capacity development action plan for Facilitators
  • Assist in the development and dissemination of relevant IEC materials on nutrition activities such as IYCF.
  • Develop concept notes for the drama groups and community dialogues for community sensitization
  • Strengthen the link between referrals and follow up of beneficiaries from community to health facilities
  • Assist in mentoring and coaching of health workers on treatment and management of acute malnutrition in accordance with IMAM guidelines and protocol.
  • Participate in development of IECs materials on nutrition sensitization
  • Participate in beneficiary identification and rapid nutrition assessment.
  • Oversee the collection, handling, analysis and reporting of data related to nutrition screening, client follow up.
  • Prepare quality weekly and monthly reports in standard reporting format, project progress, success stories and lessons learned during project implementation.
  • Ensure regular collection of nutrition data, compilation and reporting
  • Ensure regular and timely reporting among the assistants on the project activities in the catchment area.
  • Ensure the timely and effective reporting of information from the Tom Brown and mother support groups
  • Ensure that staff under your supervision are effectively engaged in their tasks and perform their duties according to Smiling Hearts Initiative’s expectations
  • Organize and facilitate regular meetings with assistants, assess their performance and provide regular feedback on the matters discussed
  • Conduct on the job mentorship and supervision for the Assistants and Facilitators
  • Ensure that staff under your supervision develop quarterly activity workplans and adhere to them
  • Identify training needs of staff under your supervision and suggest an appropriate training plan
  • Update LGA work plans, individual work plans and share with line manager.
  • Use appropriate attendance sheet on-job coaching sessions, workshops/meetings and trainings and share a copy with line manager.
  • Mobilize communities and community leaders to participate in smiling Hearts’ Initiative’s project, community activities and organize regular community meetings to address areas of program improvement
  • Attend interagency meetings and field visits as required by the Manager.
  • Other duties as assigned from time to time
  • Governmental and non-governmental partners: Exchange of information, coordination, representation
  • Weekly, Monthly and quarterly reports as required by the grant.

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • BSc Health, Nutrition, Nursing or related field with a minimum of two year relevant experience for BSc holder and three years related experience for Diploma holder.
  • Understanding of community management of acute malnutrition
  • Computer skills knowledge and applications especially Ms Word and Excel
  • Experience in planning and organizing activities in a variety of locations
  • Proven capacity to supervise, train and coach local staff and community workers.
  • Experience of providing hands-on in-service training
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and representational and communications skills are essential, and a team-oriented work style is a necessity.
  • Excellent communication skills and a willingness to be respectful, kind, sensitive and empathize with children and their careers
  • Willingness and capacity to be flexible and accommodating when faced with difficult and frustrating working conditions
  • Strong report writing skill
  • Understanding of local language and culture is mandatory.
  • Understanding of English language ( speaking, reading, writing)
Application Deadline:  Sunday, 3rd August 2025 at 12:00 PM.

Method of Application

ONLY applicants whose competencies meet the requirements of the position will be contacted.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. SHI reserves the right to close the advertisement before the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

SHI has a PSEA Policy that the successful candidate will be expected to comply with and promote.Interested and qualified? Go should go click bottom below to Apply.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 

The post Nutrition Officer at Smiling Hearts Initiatives International appeared first on Advert By Dotifi .Com Domains for almajiri.com.ng | Best African Hausa Music Blog, Entertainment ,News and Gossips .

By 9jabook

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From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.