Bukola Afeni
Experts in the nutrition sector said improving maternal and child nutrition is critical to the national development of the country.
They urged the government to pay adequate attention to the nutritional needs of non-pregnant and non-lactating women and adolescent girls.
The Executive Secretary of (CS-SUNN), Sunday Okoronkwo stated this at a media roundtable on Promoting Women and Girls Nutrition in Nigeria, which was organized by CS-SUNN.
He called on the government to ensure gender equity in the access and utilization of public economic and empowerment schemes.
The nutrition body also urged the government to support the development and implementation of national guidelines on women and girls empowerment for optimal nutrition, through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
“We are calling on the government to ensure that nutrition is prioritised at a high level. Malnutrition has been recognised as a fundamental development issue with its socio-economic consequences linked to poor women and girls’ nutrition.
” Creating more visibility on optimal nutrition for women and girls and its impending factors is a strategy to improve women and girls’ empowerment for a healthier life and better support for the family”, he said.
He further implored media practitioners to amplify nutrition issues by integrating messages and activities that promote Women and Girl’s Nutrition in its programs and agenda.
The Director of Nutrition, Federal Ministry of Health Dr Binyerem Ukaire who was represented by Akanno Chiamaka Adaobi, said improving the nutrition of girls and women will reduce healthcare costs for the nation.
She added that adequate nutrition is a fundamental cornerstone of any individual and the country at large.
“As part of efforts to address the nutrition of women and girls, the Infant Young Child Feeding (IYCF) policy was reviewed to include maternal nutrition, which is now called MIYCN policy.
“We all know that the Federal Ministry of Health is committed to the reduction of malnutrition in Nigeria, especially among the vulnerable groups, which include children under 5 years of age and women.
Their nutrition is also given proper attention.
“The government, through the FMoH, will continue to provide the enabling environment for efficient implementation at all levels”, the Director added.
The Representative of Alive and Thrive, Toyin Gabriel, charged the media to ensure accountability in monitoring the nutrition budget across the nation.
” We are ensuring that women and girls have access to quality nutrition. They will be able to fulfil their potential if they consume good diets”, she said.
