By Justina Auta

Abuja, Oct. 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government and stakeholders have strengthened coordination to address Nigeria’s status as the country with the highest number of malnourished children in Africa and the second highest globally.

This commitment was made at a three-day collaborative meeting in Abuja on Monday, with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Primary Health Care Agency, and state Nutrition Managers.

Mrs Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director of the Nutrition Department, highlighted the government’s efforts to improve nutrition.

“Nigeria has the highest burden in Africa and the second highest in the world, but we are collaborating with stakeholders to change this narrative.

“The government has implemented strategies, including a coordination team that interacts with stakeholders quarterly to discuss challenges and progress.

“Additionally, the government has trained over 2,000 master trainers on maternal, infant, and young child feeding practices.

“The ministry regularly meets with stakeholders to address challenges, discuss progress, and prioritise activities to improve nutrition services.”

Nemat Hajeebhoy, UNICEF’s Chief of Nutrition, noted that Nigeria had 35-45 million children under five years old, with 12 million stunted, nine million wasted, and 24-25 million anemic.

“We must come together to address this issue, as resolving it in Nigeria will impact West Africa and the continent,” she said.

She recalled that the Vice President, Chairman of the National Council for Nutrition, was driving the agenda and building a grassroots movement to improve nutrition.

She further said that recent efforts include 43 million children receiving Vitamin A supplements, 19 million receiving deworming drugs, and over two million pregnant women receiving iron, folic acid, or multiple micronutrient tablets.

Dr Ogechi Akalonu, NPHCDA’s Deputy Director of Nutrition, emphasised the need for collective strategising to improve women and children’s nutritional status.

Dr Osita Okonkwo, Nutrition International’s Country Director, called for increased funding to support the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health campaign’s implementation nationwide.

Okonkwo, represented by Junaidu Sani, Programme Officer, Child Health and Nutrition, reiterating their commitment to support the government, called for improved funding to ensure implementation of the MNCH. (NAN)