Samuel Gada and Safiya Shuaib Isa [Lead Writers]
Despite being one of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria continues to suffer from a complex problem of malnutrition, with children bearing the greatest burden. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), almost one in three Nigerian children under the age of five suffers from stunting, a condition that hampers physical and cognitive development caused by long-term malnutrition.
These statistics are alarming, but the situation is even more dire because the solution is already known. Combating malnutrition in Nigeria requires collaboration from all sectors to save millions of children from severe malnutrition and death, and pave the way for a healthier, more prosperous future.
Below are some of the efforts being undertaken by governments, non-governmental organisations and numerous initiatives to mitigate this widespread problem.
- Community-based approach.
In Kaduna state, Alive & Thrive is fighting malnutrition with a community-based approach. With a focus on improving feeding habits among infants and young children, the program engages communities and empowers them with nutrition education and support. The organization also trains local health workers and volunteers to develop better nutrition habits. The program’s positive outcomes are attributable to its grassroots approach, which ensures interventions are culturally acceptable, well-tailored, and sustainable.
Another effective community-based approach is the Katsina Community-Based Management for Acute Malnutrition Centres (C-MAM). These centres, spread across 15 local government areas (LGAs), are combating malnutrition among already malnourished children by providing medical care.
2. Nutritional enhancement of staple foods.
Food fortification has also proven to be an effective way to address micronutrient deficiencies. The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) partners with local crop and food producers to add essential vitamins and minerals to staples such as flour, salt and vegetable oils, ensuring that essential nutrients are available to people with limited access to a balanced diet.
The success of the GAIN-led salt iodization programme in Lagos has significantly reduced iodine deficiency, highlighting the impact of food fortification on improving public health.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is also at the forefront of this effort by promoting biofortified crops such as cassava and sweet potato, which are rich in Vitamin A. These relatively accessible tuber crops have been bred to contain higher amounts of essential nutrients, providing low-income families with more nutritious diets.
3. Technology for nutrition education.
Supported by the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) and implemented in collaboration with local partners, the mNutrition initiative will reach critical nutrition information in some of the most remote communities, filling gaps caused 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 response, disseminating valuable information on breastfeeding, complementary feeding and hygiene practices.
4. School Meal Program
The National Homegrown School Feeding Programme (HGSF) was established in 2005 to feed primary school children. At the time, it was recognised as a powerful mechanism to improve child nutrition while boosting educational outcomes. The programme fostered a symbiotic relationship between agriculture and nutrition by sourcing ingredients from local farmers and providing nutritious meals to children. Despite feeding millions of children in 30 beneficiary states across Nigeria, the programme faced instability and was suspended due to lack of funding.
The private sector is stepping up efforts to combat nutrition-related issues, and Nestlé Nigeria is one example: its Nestlé Healthy Kids programme educates children and young people on nutrition, healthy eating habits and physical activity. But at the forefront of this fight are policies and advocacy, with the Improved Nutrition in Nigeria (SUN) spearheading the bringing together of various stakeholders, as well as the National Strategic Action Plan on Nutrition (NSPAN), which outlines a comprehensive strategy to tackle malnutrition, including improving maternal and child health services, strengthening food security and promoting dietary diversity.
There’s still a lot of work to be done
The problem of malnutrition in Nigeria is daunting, but innovative, multifaceted solutions currently being implemented show that the fight against malnutrition is possible. However, continued investment and commitment from all sectors of society is essential to sustain these gains and ensure a healthier future for all Nigerians.
