Sodiq Ojuroungbe
A Registered Nutritionist, Mrs. Odunayo Babatunde has advised the Federal Government to intensify nutrition education in all government hospitals to help reduce malnutrition cases in the country.
The food expert noted that there is a need for the promotion of “homegrown foods” alongside the provision of fortified food items, especially for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
The World Health Organisation described malnutrition as deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients, or impaired nutrient utilization.
The global health organisation further explained that the double burden of malnutrition consists of both undernutrition, overweight, obesity, as well as diet-related non-communicable diseases.
According to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, Nigeria has about 19.8 million children who are malnourished, giving the country the highest burden of stunting in Africa and the second highest in the world.
The NDHS noted that about 70 per cent of children under five are anaemic, as child nutrition is core to human capital development in Nigeria.
Reacting, the food expert, who spoke exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise said investment in nutrition education and awareness by the federal and state governments would help in tackling the menace.
While noting that malnutrition could lead to stunted growth, weakened immune system, cognitive impairment, among others, the nutrition specialist noted that the government needs to establish a social safety net to provide financial assistance and food support to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children, and low-income families.
She urged the government to extend partnerships to international organisations and non-governmental Organisations that are focused on mother and child nutrition.
She said, “Malnutrition can lead to stunted growth, weakened immune system, cognitive impairment, bone and teeth problems, anaemia, skin and hair problems, metabolic disorders, and delayed puberty, among many others
“Nutrition Education for pregnant women should include practical demonstration of what balanced nutrition looks like in pregnancy. Pregnant women should also be encouraged at various hospitals to take folic acid and iron regularly.
“The Federal and State government can come together to invest in Nutrition Education and Awareness. Pre-natal and post-natal support should be provided for pregnant women.
“In the north, the government needs to first tackle the issue of child marriage. These are children that are still growing and in most cases don’t have nutrient reserves in their body in other to carry a healthy child to term.
“Also, from the age of 12, girls in the north should be encouraged to take folic acid and iron as part of their daily supplements. This could be made available to them through nutrition intervention programmes.
“Girl-child education should also be encouraged as a girl that is educated will be in a better position to make informed decisions regarding her Nutrition and health.”
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