Private sector holds enormous potential to improve nutrition outcomes – CSO

The Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria says the private sector holds immense potential to contribute to improved nutrition outcomes in the country.

The Executive Secretary of CS-SUNN, Mr. Sunday Okoronkwo, made this known during a media roundtable on Partnership for Improving Nigeria Nutrition System, held on Thursday in Abuja.

He explained that through corporate social responsibility initiatives, private companies could invest in nutrition-sensitive interventions, promote healthy food choices, and develop innovative solutions to address malnutrition challenges.

According to him, partnerships with the private sector leverage resources, expertise, and market reach for maximum impact.

Okoronkwo said that International organisations, foundations and donors also play a crucial role in supporting governments and local stakeholders in implementing the Micronutrient Deficiencies in Nigeria guideline.

“Their financial and technical assistance, capacity-building efforts, and knowledge sharing significantly contribute to achieving nutrition goals.

“The active involvement of these key stakeholders in the implementation of the MNDC guideline can yield substantial benefits, including enhanced coordination and collaboration, avoiding duplication of resources and maximising impact,” he said.

Okoronkwo said that investment could be increased in nutrition programmes.

He said such investments would ensure the availability and accessibility of essential services such as antenatal care, nutrition education, safe water, sanitation and hygiene.

According to him, strengthening community engagement and ownership, empowering individuals to make informed choices, adopting healthy behaviours, and sustaining positive nutrition outcomes could also increase nutrition investment.

He said that governments are pivotal in setting nutrition policies, allocating resources, and establishing regulatory frameworks.

Okoronkwo said government agencies needed to prioritise nutrition in national agendas, mobilise funding, and create an enabling environment for the effective implementation of the MNDC guideline.

He said that Civil Society Organisations possessed the unique ability to mobilise communities, raise awareness, and advocate for improved nutrition outcomes.

“They actively engage in implementing programmes, monitoring progress, and holding stakeholders accountable for their commitments,” he added.

According to him, collaborating with CSOs and other stakeholders is vital for achieving sustainable nutrition goals.

Okoronkwo said that recognising their respective roles and responsibilities in implementing the MNDC guideline was essential for all stakeholders.

He noted that by working together, they could address the complex challenge of hidden hunger and create a healthier future for all.

“This important initiative was part of the Result-driven Effective Serviceable Efficient and Transparent for Human Capital Development (RESET4HCD) strategy, aimed strengthening Nigeria’s nutrition systems and to combat malnutrition through evidence-based strategies and collaboration,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that according to the NDHS 2018, 45.3 per cent of children 6-59 months old benefit from vitamin ‘A’ supplement.

In addition, 68 per cent of under-five Nigerian children are anaemic, while 58 per cent of pregnant women suffer from anaemia.

The 2018 WHO report shows that not only children are affected, as an estimated 40 per cent of pregnant women worldwide are anaemic.

At least half of this anaemia burden is assumed to be due to iron deficiency with the pre-knowledge that both iron and folic acid deficiencies during pregnancy potentially impact negatively on the health of women and fetal development.

Unfortunately, these deficiencies are pervasive in Nigeria, though not visible to the naked eye.

These alarming rates of micronutrient deficiency also known as hidden hunger affecting populations globally emphasise the urgency to prioritise the implementation of the MNDC guideline.

The guideline offers comprehensive approaches to address this scourge of micronutrient deficiencies among mothers, newborns, and children, targeting the life cycle.

The success of these guidelines relies on the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations, private sector entities, and development partners.

NAN