Kwara Government Holds Stakeholders Meeting to Tackle Rising Malnutrition
The Kwara State Government has taken proactive steps to address the concerning rise of malnutrition within the state, convening a stakeholders meeting aimed at finding sustainable solutions to this pressing issue.
During the meeting held on Thursday, the Commissioner for Communications, Bola Olukoju, voiced apprehension over the escalating cases of malnutrition, stressing its adverse impact on the socio-economic development of Kwara State.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mohammed Yahaya, Olukoju underscored the imperative of combating malnutrition and urged residents to make use of the abundant and affordable local food resources to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Highlighting malnutrition as both a health concern and a hindrance to socio-economic progress, the Commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to eradicate this menace through comprehensive interventions.
“The government is resolute in eliminating this challenge through sustainable measures,” Olukoju affirmed. “Today’s gathering aims to address critical issues such as malnutrition, dietary habits, and the utilization of locally available recipes.”
In his presentation on Malnutrition, Dr. Habeeb Lawal, Manager of the ARIN Project at the Kwara State Ministry of Health, revealed alarming statistics, noting that Nigeria has the highest number of stunted children globally.
Dr. Lawal emphasized the detrimental effects of malnutrition on the body’s system and immunity, which can lead to dire consequences, including death. He also highlighted the long-term impacts on children’s growth and cognitive development, stressing the importance of early intervention.
Moreover, Dr. Lawal disclosed that Kwara State is among the states implementing a multi-sectoral action plan for malnutrition, employing comprehensive strategies to address this issue effectively.
Hajia Jemila Gene from the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development emphasized the significance of dietary habits and consumption of locally available recipes in combating malnutrition.
She cautioned against reliance on junk foods and advocated for the promotion of local cuisines. Additionally, she encouraged home gardening as a practical solution to mitigate the impact of rising food prices, empowering individuals to grow their own food items.
