By Ahmed Ahmed
An NGO Alive and Thrive Family Health International (FHI360) funded by Bill and Melinda foundation has urged Media organizations in Bauchi state to support the government as well raise awareness on the impact and challenges of malnutrition in the state.
Dr James Oloyede, Senior Technical Advisor for Nutrition of the NGO, made the call at a one day media advocacy meeting on maternal, infant and young children nutrition on Wednesday in Bauchi.
He expressed concern over scores of childrens under 5 years who died annually as a result of malnutrition.
Oloyede explained that poor nutrition contribute to the global burden of disease and impaired quality life.
“Mother’s nutrition status and health both before and during pregnancy have significant effects on childbirth outcomes,” he said.
He urged media organissations to raise awareness on the impact of malnutrition on health and economic wellbeing of the citizens as well as food security and nutrition topics.
According to him, multiple forms of malnutrition are evident in many countries. Adding that many countries face a ‘double burden’ of malnutrition both undernutrition and overnutrition.
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Dr Oloyede stressed the need for Media organissations to support governmment and the people by creating much needed awareness to reduce the burden of maltnurition in the state.
On his part, The state Focal person of the Programme, Mr Asimobi Chidiebere explained that the meeting was to sensitize the participants on the need to support stakeholders on tackling the challenges of nutrition management.
He also call on the media to support the advocacy efforts aimed at securing new financial resources for sectional and state nutrition programmes.
“As well as hold government accountable government and stakeholders on their commitment to nutrition,” he said.
In a remark, Mal. Umar Said, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Bauchi Council said the most effective way to reduce the burden of malnutrition should be multisectoral approach that would aims to improve nutrition at all critical stages of life.
“Integrating nutrition services and solutions within broader health systems, media awareness campaign.
“As well as programmes to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), food systems, social protection, education, climate change, gender, and maternal mental health, he said.
Our correspondents report that Malnutrition refers to getting too little or too much of certain nutrients that lead to serious health issues, including stunted growth, eye problems, diabetes and heart diseases.
