GAIN promises collaborative fight against malnutrition
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), a non-profit organisation, says it will support multi-stakeholder efforts at transforming food systems to end malnutrition in the country.
Dr Micheal Ojo, the country director of the organisation, gave the assurance in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Ojo noted that as Nigeria took part in the UN Food Systems Summit on Sept. 23 in New York and GAIN would join other stakeholders in the country in the fight against malnutrition.
“The summit which is a historic opportunity to bring global focus on malnutrition in all its forms and the role that food systems play in finding lasting solutions through the improvement of diets for all people, will centre on food.
“How much of it is produced, where and how diverse the options available are, and the implications of how these food systems work for our climate for livelihoods and for social equity and justice would be the primary focus.
“Nigeria is a vast and diverse nation, and Africa’s most populous country, but we are facing critical issues.
“While Nigeria enjoys a rich food culture increasingly recognised around the world, its food and nutrition issues remain significant,” he said.
Home to the second highest population of stunted children, less than five years of age in the world; Ojo noted that Nigeria continues to face many deep-rooted challenges.
He further stated: “From the wide-ranging dialogues held, some of the key priority actions to be undertaken would include developing a much better understanding of how our food systems work, based on data and research.
“Early action to reduce the amounts of food going to waste and supporting the roles and contributions of women and young people more directly to ensure those most impacted by a failing food system have a central role in shaping its transformation.
“We also hope to see improvements in the national food fortification programme through increased compliance monitoring and enforcement through digital technology.
“Long-time priority actions will focus on the development and deployment of policy and legislation to institutionalise the national food systems transformation pathways,” he said.
