The World Bank, Nutrition International, and other stakeholders on Tuesday called for a multi-pronged approach to address the growing malnutrition crisis in Nigeria.
They stressed that all hands must be on deck to implement interventions to combat malnutrition.
The call 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.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, Nigeria ranks first on the continent and second in the world, after India, in terms of the number of malnourished children.
Speaking at the event, Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, Dr Ritgak Tilley-Gyado, stressed the need for a multi-faceted approach and interventions to tackle malnutrition in Nigeria.
Tilley-Gyado, who is also the Task Team Lead for Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria, was represented by Dr Godwin Gana, Senior Technical Adviser for the World Bank ANRiN project.
She revealed that the World Bank had supported the nutrition department of the FMoHSW in reviewing the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund facilities recently assessed by the NPHCDA.
“This is in light of the current food and nutrition security crisis ravaging Nigeria and the need for the country to swiftly implement interventions to reverse the trend.
“The guidance is intended to help states prioritise the selection of appropriate facilities with the right manpower and infrastructure so they can be prioritised.
“This, in turn, supports the government in strengthening these facilities after health workers have been trained and provided with the necessary resources,” she explained.
She emphasised the need for a multi-faceted approach and additional support to combat malnutrition, which would improve the health of the country’s citizens.
“Nigeria needs a great deal of support, and it is currently beyond what the federal government can manage alone.
“State and local governments, particularly now with discussions about local government autonomy, will need to contribute, alongside support from development partners and the private sector.
“Although the amount required runs into millions of dollars, it is surmountable if everyone is fully committed,” she added.
The Country Director of Nutrition International, Dr Osita Okonkwo, highlighted the need to improve coverage of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health interventions.
Okonkwo, who was represented by NI’s Programme Officer for Child Health and Nutrition, Junaidu Sani, pointed out that enhancing coverage would enable women and children to benefit from intervention programmes.
“This will increase the coverage of health interventions and universal health coverage services.”
He also stressed the need for more funding and ensuring that MNCH campaigns are implemented at the right time to address malnutrition.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Nutrition Department at the FMoHSW, Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, outlined the government’s efforts to improve nutritional standards in the country.
“The government has implemented strategies, including a coordination team that interacts with stakeholders quarterly to discuss challenges and progress.
“The ministry regularly meets with stakeholders to address challenges, discuss progress, and prioritise activities to improve nutrition services,” she said.