Bukola Afeni
As Civil Society – Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) commemorates a decade of impactful nutrition advocacy in Nigeria, the alliance has reaffirms its commitment to ensuring every Nigerian has access to adequate nutrition for a healthy and productive life.
The Chairman Board of Trustees CS-SUNN, Dr Mbang Koofreh -Ada said the body has impacted Nigeria’s nutrition landscape through evidence-based advocacy and strategic interventions.
“We are focused on strengthening nutrition systems to foster functional environments conducive to every individual’s need.
We are collaborating with partners and Key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), by diligently pursuing initiatives aimed at alleviating the scourge of malnutrition, significantly”, she said.
While sharing some of CS-SUNN’s achievement in the nutrition landscape she said “Our focus on high-impact nutrition interventions in the health and agriculture sectors contributed to the reduction of maternal and child malnutrition at both national and focal state levels.”
“We also played a key role advocating for improved funding for health and nutrition, including a 1% consolidated revenue fund allocation for nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding (IYCF), and staple food fortification. Through concerted civil society action, we helped drive momentum for scaling up nutrition across Nigeria”, she added.
The BOT Chair further urged the private sector to invest and partner with CS-SUNN to support sustainable nutrition initiatives across Nigeria.
“We call on Civil Society Organizations to work together with CS-SUNN to advocate for inclusive and equitable nutrition policies and practices. The media should continuously raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and highlight CS-SUNN’s initiatives to encourage community involvement”, she said.
The Special Assistant to the President on Public Health Focal Person on Nutrition, Office of the Vice President, Mrs Uju Vanstasia Anwukah said CS-SUNN has been at the forefront of nutrition advocacy in the country ,which remarkable result.
“Nutrition advocacy is not just about promoting proper diet habit, it is also about implementing fundamental inequalities that exist in our society .
In today’s world, nutrition serves as a primary yardstick to distinguish between developing nations and under developing nations”, she said.
Mrs Anwukah disclosed that the undeniable relation between malnutrition and poverty underscored the urgent need for sustainable advocacy to bridge the disparity.
“Statistics further revealed that malnutrition contributes to nearly 50% of children mortality in Nigeria .The remarkable efforts by CS-SUNN and its partners especially among the rural areas has been recognised by Shettima administration”, she added.
The Director Nutrition Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs Ladidi Bako Aiyegbusi expressed continuos commitment and support towards CS-SUNN and partners especially in eradicating malnutrition in the society.
“As Nigeria grapples with the complex issue of malnutrition, the collaborative efforts between the Federal Ministry of Health and CS-SUNN signify a renewed commitment to addressing this pressing public health concern. With continued dedication and innovative strategies, there is hope for a healthier and nourished future for all Nigerians”, she said.