Samuel Gada and Safiya Shuaib Isa [Lead Writers]
Despite being one of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria continues to struggle with malnutrition, a complex problem with children bearing the greatest burden. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), approximately 1 in 3 children under the age of five in Nigeria suffer from stunting, a condition resulting from long-term malnutrition that hinders physical and cognitive development.
While these statistics are alarming, the situation is even more troubling because the solution is already known. The fight against malnutrition in Nigeria requires concerted efforts from all sectors to save millions of children from severe malnutrition and death and pave the way for a healthier, more prosperous future.
Here are some efforts by the government, non-governmental organizations, and numerous initiatives to alleviate this widespread problem:
one. Community-based approaches.
In Kaduna State, Alive & Thrive uses community-based approaches to combat malnutrition. Focused on improving infant and toddler feeding practices, this program brings communities together and empowers them with nutrition education and support. The organization also trains local healthcare workers and volunteers to adopt better nutritional practices. The positive outcomes of the program lie in its grassroots approach, which ensures that interventions are culturally acceptable, appropriately adapted and sustainable.
Another effective community-based approach is Community-Based Management (C-MAM) for Acute Malnutrition Centers in Katsina. These centres, spread across 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs), combat malnutrition in already malnourished children by providing medical attention.
2. Fortification of staple foods.
Food supplementation has also proven to be an effective tool for addressing micronutrient deficiencies. The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has partnered with local manufacturers of food products and food products to fortify basic ingredients such as wheat flour, salt, and vegetable oil with essential vitamins and minerals. This initiative ensures that even those with limited access to a balanced diet receive essential nutrients.
The success of Lagos’ GAIN-led salt iodization program has led to a significant reduction in iodine deficiency disorders, demonstrating the impact of food fortification on improving public health.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is also at the forefront of this effort, promoting biofortified crops such as vitamin A-rich cassava and sweet potatoes. These relatively more accessible tuber crops are bred to contain higher levels of essential nutrients, providing low-income households with a more nutritious diet.
3. Nutrition education technology.
Through the mNutrition initiative, supported by the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) and implemented with local partners, critical nutrition information reaches even the most remote communities, bridging the gap created by limited access to food and nutrition information.
The initiative provides mobile-based nutrition information to mothers and caregivers through text messages and interactive voice responses, and disseminates valuable information about breastfeeding, complementary feeding and hygiene practices.
4. School feeding programs
The National Home-Grown School Feeding Program (HGSF), which aims to feed elementary school students, was established in 2005. At the time, it was described as a powerful mechanism to improve child nutrition while improving educational outcomes. The program provided nutritious meals to school children, and the meals were sourced from local farmers, thus promoting a symbiotic relationship between agriculture and nutrition. Despite reaching millions of children across 30 beneficiary states in Nigeria, the program has faced some instability and has since been suspended due to insufficient funding.
The private sector is stepping up efforts to combat nutrition-related problems; Nestlé Nigeria is an example of this. The Nestlé Healthy Kids Program educates children and young people about nutrition, healthy eating habits and physical activity. However, policy and advocacy continue to be at the forefront of this fight, with the Boosting Nutrition in Nigeria (SUN) movement leading the charge to unite various stakeholders and the National Strategic Action Plan for Nutrition (NSPAN) outlining comprehensive strategies to combat the problem. It does. Malnutrition, such as improving maternal and child health services, increasing food security, and promoting dietary diversity.
More needs to be done
Although the problem of malnutrition in Nigeria is daunting, the innovative and versatile solutions implemented show that tackling malnutrition is possible. However, sustained investment and commitment from all segments of society will be vital in sustaining these gains and ensuring a healthier future for all Nigerians.