Bukola Afeni
The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria( CS-SUNN) has called on key stakeholders in the nutrition sector to aid the implementation of the National Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Nigeria (MNDC).
The Executive Secretary of CS-SUNN, Mr Sunday Okoronkwo, stated this at a Media Roundtable on the Role of Key stakeholders in the implementation of the National MNDC Guideline in Abuja.
The Executive Secretary expressed concern over the issue of hidden hunger which is also known as micronutrient deficiency.
He disclosed that there is a need to prioritize the implementation of the MNDC guideline.
“The success of the guideline relies on the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, private sector entities, and development partners.
“The guideline offers comprehensive approaches to address the scourge of micronutrient deficiencies among mothers, newborns and children”, he said.
The Executive Secretary urged all the critical stakeholders to recognize their responsibilities and work collectively to address the complex challenge of hidden hunger.
The Program Manager of CS-SUNN, Dr Goodness Anyanwu, charged all critical stakeholders in the nutrition sector to reduce the challenge of hidden hunger in Nigeria.
She expressed CS-SUNN’s commitment towards ensuring nutrition issues is brought to the limelight in the country.
Dr Anyanwu urged media practitioners to constantly share information about micronutrient deficiencies, and ensure that Nigerians are fully informed.
“We want the media to leverage their available platform to share information about adherence to MNDC guideline. This will aid in reducing the issue of hidden hunger, which is also known as micronutrient deficiencies”, she said.
The Director Head of MicroNutrient Deficient Control, FMOH, Mr Uruakpa John, said improving the nutrition index of a country will bring about national development.
He explained that micronutrient deficiencies have been a critical challenge in the health and education sector.
“A country that cannot boast of a good nutrition index will not move forward in other areas of life. The government of Nigeria is supplying vitamin A and other supplements to pupils in different parts of the country”, he said.
The Director charged the media practitioners to create more awareness of micronutrient deficiencies.
