The Federal Government has confirmed that more than four million children in Nigeria’s Northeast and Northwest regions are suffering from malnutrition. This revelation was made by Mrs. Ladidi Bako-Aiyebusi, Director of the Nutrition Department at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, during a five-day meeting with nutrition experts and stakeholders in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The meeting, which began on Tuesday and is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, brings together a diverse group of participants including nutrition experts, academics, and representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Organized in collaboration with Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) and other nutrition partners, the event aims to develop strategic advocacy policies to address nutrition challenges in Nigeria.
In her opening address, Mrs. Bako-Aiyebusi highlighted the gravity of the nutrition crisis in the country. She pointed out that Nigeria is currently facing a “triple burden of malnutrition,” which encompasses widespread macro and micronutrient deficiencies, undernutrition, and overnutrition. These issues have a profound impact on health and socio-economic development.
The 2021 National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey revealed that nearly 4.4 million children in the Northeast and Northwest regions are malnourished. This staggering number underscores the urgent need for effective nutritional interventions and policy responses.
“Inadequate access to food, poor food consumption practices, improper feeding and caring practices, and economic and political structures contribute to this crisis,” Mrs. Bako-Aiyebusi said.
She also noted that factors such as low economic status, inadequate health-seeking behaviors, and low levels of education among the populace exacerbate the situation.
Experts at the meeting are expected to discuss strategies to improve food access, enhance feeding practices, and address the broader socio-economic factors contributing to malnutrition.
“The aim of this meeting is to develop actionable policies that will help alleviate malnutrition and improve the overall health and well-being of affected children,” Mrs. Bako-Aiyebusi explained.
The collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, CS-SUNN, and other partners is crucial for the success of this initiative. By pooling resources and expertise, the organizations hope to create a comprehensive and effective strategy to combat malnutrition.
Joseph Osei, a representative from CS-SUNN, emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted approach. “Addressing malnutrition requires a collaborative effort from all sectors—government, civil society, and the private sector,” Osei stated. “We need to ensure that our policies are grounded in evidence and tailored to the specific needs of the affected regions.”
