Civil Society Calls For More Investment In Nutrition

On Mar 30, 2024

By Tanimu Hassan Abuja

To curb the menace of malnutrition in Nigeria, The Civil Society, Sealing Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS- SUNN) has organised a Media Rountable on the need for government and stakeholders to invest in nutrition for Human capital development in Nigeria, the event took place in Abuja the nation’s capital.

The aim and objective of the media Rountable is to raise awareness and call on government and stakeholders to prioritize nutrition funding as a critical component of Nigeria’s development agenda.

The Executive Secretary CS-SUNN Mr, Sunday Okoronkwo who was represented by Lilian Okafor SC-SUNN Communication Officer said nutrition plays a vital role in Human Capital Development HDC, serving as the cornerstone for the physical and mental well-being of individuals.

“Deficiencies in essential nutrients results in malnutrition, adversely impacting both the health and productivity of individuals. It is therefore important to recognise that malnutrition not only undermines an individual’s health but also exerts a profound toll on economic prosperity hindering the nation’s progress towards achieving its Human Capital Development goals.”

While reacting Mrs Margaret Umoh Assistant Director Food and Nutrition Branch, under Technology and Science Education Department Federal Ministry of Education revealed that children that are well nutritioned have the potentials to understand better in the class rooms, and calls on parents to prioritize the well-being of their children’s despite the current economic challenge in the country.

“Ministery of Education is committed in ensuring the all the necessary measures are taken in promoting campaigns in Nigeria ahaist malnutrition andpromoting human capital development”.

The 2020 Human Capital Index HCI of Nigeria according to the assessment by World Bank is currently 0.36 ranking Second out of 157 countries, reflecting the urgent need for concerted effort to address the challenge.

The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria CS-SUNN calls for innovate financing mechanisms to bridge the gap, emphasizing the need for increased domestic funding and strategic resources mobilisation.