States under the All Progressives Congress, APC have resolved to adopt sustainable strategies and other initiatives to strengthen food production and food security.
This is part of efforts to promote Child and Maternal nutrition.
This was contained in a communique signed by the SGS of Jigawa state, Mr. Adamu Fanini and the SGS of Plateau state, Professor Danladi Atu after a virtual meeting of the Secretaries to state governments controlled by the APC.
The theme of the meeting was ‘Developing Common Policy Initiatives on Maternal & Child Nutrition Promotion in APC States’.
The meeting agreed that APC states would promote consumption of nutritious food for young children and pregnant women.
“Given the import of nutrition to addressing the problems of stunting and wasting in children, the meeting agreed that APC controlled states commit themselves to promoting essential nutrient fortified foods and supplements for children under the ages of 5 and nursing mothers;
“Considering the importance of robust public engagement in the implementation of the Framework for Maternal and Child Nutrition, APC States undertake to design effective communication strategies to raise public awareness and transform public attitudes towards issues related to malnutrition and its effects on the Child and nursing mothers;
“Because of the significant role parental support play in the lives of children and the need to enhance the health of nursing mothers, APC States are committed to implementing the recommendation to prioritise granting 180 days (6 months) maternity leave for nursing mothers in the APC States;
“APC State Governments are also committed to encouraging and supporting women to practice six months of exclusive breastfeeding of children from birth; and
“Given the strong linkages between national security and food security, the APC States should adopt sustainable strategies and other initiatives for strengthening food production and food security, as part of their development programmes,” the communique reads.
The meeting followed a series of other sessions with the Commissioners of Health, Agriculture and Education, where the framework was discussed extensively.
Confidence Okwuchi
