A prominent nutritionist, Mrs. Odunayo Babatunde, has called on the government to boost local food production and implement community nutrition initiatives to address the ongoing problems of malnutrition and food insecurity in the country.
Wakadaily learnt that, She emphasized the importance of the government concentrating on creating sustainable domestic food production methods and increasing investments in agriculture and livestock sectors to improve productivity and meet the nutritional needs of the population.
According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition involves deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, as well as imbalances in essential nutrients and impaired nutrient utilization. The organization also highlighted the issue of undernutrition, overweight, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable diseases as part of the double burden of malnutrition.
The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey revealed that Nigeria has a significant number of malnourished children, with high rates of stunting and anemia, indicating the importance of child nutrition for human development.
The expert stressed the importance of nutrition education and awareness campaigns in promoting healthy eating habits and suggested establishing a community nutrition program to educate individuals on proper nutrition and ensure access to nutritious foods, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Babatunde also emphasized the collaborative efforts needed among government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to address food insecurity and malnutrition effectively. She highlighted the need for tailored community nutrition programs to address specific dietary needs and challenges in different regions.
Government should increase domestic production, establish community nutrition programs, and subsidise costs for low-income families.
“Community nutrition programs play a vital role in promoting healthy eating habits, preventing malnutrition, and addressing micronutrient deficiencies.
“By engaging with local communities and empowering individuals to make informed food choices, we can improve overall health outcomes and mitigate the burden of nutrition-related diseases,” she emphasized
