Malnutrition Crisis in Nigeria: A Call for a Multi-Pronged Approach
The World Bank, Nutrition International, and other stakeholders have called for a unified effort to address the growing malnutrition crisis in Nigeria. The crisis has been described as a pressing issue, with Nigeria ranking first on the continent and second in the world in terms of the number of malnourished children, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund.
The call for a multi-pronged approach was made at a three-day collaborative meeting between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and state nutrition managers in Abuja. The meeting aimed to discuss strategies to address the country’s nutrition needs.
According to Dr. Ritgak Tilley-Gyado, a Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, a multi-faceted approach is necessary to combat malnutrition. She emphasized the need for support from the government, state and local governments, development partners, and the private sector to tackle the crisis. "Nigeria needs a great deal of support, and it is currently beyond what the federal government can manage alone," she said.
Dr. Tilley-Gyado also highlighted the importance of training health workers and providing them with the necessary resources to manage health facilities effectively. "The guidance is intended to help states prioritize the selection of appropriate facilities with the right manpower and infrastructure so they can be prioritized," she explained.
The Country Director of Nutrition International, Dr. Osita Okonkwo, also stressed the need to improve coverage of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health interventions. He emphasized the importance of more funding and ensuring that MNCH campaigns are implemented at the right time to address malnutrition.
The Director of the Nutrition Department at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, outlined the government’s efforts to improve nutritional standards in the country. She noted that the ministry regularly meets with stakeholders to address challenges, discuss progress, and prioritize activities to improve nutrition services.
The call for a multi-pronged approach to address the malnutrition crisis in Nigeria is a wake-up call for all stakeholders to work together to save lives and improve the health of the country’s citizens.
