Stakeholders Seek Nutrition Units Across Nigerian MDAs, LGAs Amid Worsening Malnutrition Crisis

Stakeholders in Nigeria have expressed deep concern over the worsening malnutrition crisis, particularly affecting children and pregnant women in northern regions. Recent data reveals that approximately two million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition, with high associated mortality rates, especially in conflict-affected areas like Katsina State. In response, multi-stakeholder meetings and retreats in Akwa Ibom and other states have called for the creation of nutrition units across government ministries and local governments, increased funding, policy reforms, and coordinated interventions to address malnutrition comprehensively. These efforts emphasize the importance of nutrition for health, education, and national development, with calls to leverage funds such as the Child Nutrition Fund and adopt measures like six-month paid maternity leave to reduce malnutrition burdens. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, a parallel focus on improving nutrition literacy and food access through public-private partnerships highlights the global recognition of nutrition's role in cognitive development and poverty reduction. Additionally, companies like Care Nutrition Ltd in Bangladesh contribute by producing fortified foods and supplements shown to improve nutritional outcomes for mothers and children in underserved communities.