The Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) Monday, called on the Nasarawa state government to prioritise nutrition and ensure timely releases of funds allocated to nutrition in order to scale up nutrition interventions in the state.
The Abuja program manager, CS-SUNN Mrs Aji R Robinson, made the call at the one-day policy dialogue meeting for improve implementation of nutrition multi-sectoral plan of action in Lafia.
Robinson blamed malnutrition as one of the leading causes of child mortality worldwide, adding that it is characterised by deficiency of macro nutrients or micro nutrients or both thereby, charged government to invest hugely in nutrition and ensure prompt release of funds in order to address malnutrition in the state.
She stated that adequate nutrition, correct and consistent practice of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) and eating right proportion of variety of foods are essential throughout lifespan but especially within the first 1000 days of life.
“Addressing early child nutrition health and development is the foundation of human capital and formation at the individual and national level.
“Malnutrition in early childhood result in decrease cognitive ability, poor education and loss of national economy productivity,” She said.
The state commissioner for finance, budget and planning, Mr Haruna Ogbele, who was represented by the director of budget and planning, Mr Abdul Osama, said the state government in collaboration with development partners has developed the state nutrition multi-sectoral strategic plan of action using a multi stakeholder participation approach for optimal nutrition in the state.
He said the state multi-sectoral strategic plan of action for food and nutrition (NSMSPAN) was developed in line with the state policy on food security (SPFN) designed to cover the period of five years (2019-2023).
“Plan also covers other sectoral activities such as education, water, sanitation, hygiene, women development, as well as finance, budget and planning,” he stated.
He added that :”If the plan is implemented effectively by all sectors ,it will address the challenges posed by malnutrition and contribute to promoting optimal nutrition for all Nasarawa residents.
