The Federal Government has said plans are underway to intensify advocacy for changes in nutrition-related policies and the promotion of positive attitudes and practices to address the persistent challenge of malnutrition in Nigeria.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in his special remarks at the 10th anniversary of the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition (CS-SUNN) event in Abuja.
Pate, who was represented by the Director of Nutrition, Dr. Ladidi Ayegbusi Bako, also highlighted the significant milestones achieved through the collaboration between the ministry and CS-SUNN over the past decade.
These, he said, include hosting key strategic meetings by the Scaling Up Nutrition movement for Nigeria, organizing annual assessment meetings, and engaging stakeholders to develop nutrition-focused commitments.
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He further emphasized the importance of targeted advocacy efforts, which have resulted in the domestication of multisectoral plans of action for food and nutrition at the state level.
“That measures have been taken to enhance operational efficiency within the nutrition sector, addressing both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions.
“Despite these achievements, challenges such as delays in fulfilling commitments and inadequate funding for nutrition interventions persist, leading to ongoing malnutrition across all states in Nigeria.”
“Plans were underway to engage religious leaders in high-level advocacy dialogues and implement the National Social and Behavioral Change Strategy at the sub-national level.”
“The Ministry and CS-SUNN committed to intensifying advocacy efforts, sharing success stories, and engaging decision-makers to prioritize nutrition investment in Nigeria.”
“Plans also include innovative fundraising strategies, capacity-building for community-level interventions, and establishing a mentorship program for nutrition champions.”
Earlier at a press conference, the Chairman of CS-SUNN’s board of trustees, Dr. Mbang Kooffreh-Ada, also reiterated the need for all stakeholders to prioritize and invest in sustainable nutrition initiatives.
Kooffreh-Ada called on the government, the private sector, civil society organizations, and the media to collaborate in advocating for inclusive and equitable nutrition policies, ensuring access to adequate nutrition for all Nigerians.
“Since its existence, CS-SUNN, in collaboration with partners and Key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), has diligently pursued initiatives aimed at alleviating the scourge of malnutrition, significantly impacting Nigeria’s nutrition landscape through evidence-based advocacy and strategic interventions focused on strengthening nutrition systems to foster functional environments conducive to optimal nutrition.”
Meanwhile, the Executive secretary of CS-SUNN, Sunday Okoronkwo, highlighted the importance of transitioning from verbal to operational commitments and urged for improved coordination and accountability systems for nutrition.
Okoronkwo maintained that CS-SUNN is committed to advancing Nigeria’s nutrition agenda and called for continued collaboration among partners to mobilize resources for improved nutrition outcomes in Nigeria.
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