TODAY’S VIEWPOINT IS ON TRANSFORMING THE FOOD SYSTEMS OF NIGERIA TO ENSURE HEALTHY DIETS. IT IS WRITTEN BY HEAD OF EDITORIAL UNIT, YETUNDE OKE.
Despite significant progress in addressing hunger, malnutrition remains a major challenge in all regions of the world.
Unhealthy diets are a major driver of all forms of malnutrition, including under nutrition, overweight, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies, as well as diet-related noncommunicable diseases.
According to report, three billion people cannot afford healthy diets globally.
The imperative to transform food systems to ensure sustainable healthy diets for all has never been stronger.
Meaningful change will require that stakeholders deploy high-impact, evidence-based solutions in context-specific ways that are adaptable, dynamic, and equitable.
Nigeria has one of the highest burdens of malnutrition globally.
It is a particular concern for children under the age of five, pregnant and lactating women, and adults living in poverty.
In Nigeria, the complexities of food and nutrition security are further heightened by economic conditions, food systems, climate variability, and societal norms that influence diets.
According to UNICEF, Nigeria has the second highest burden of stunted children in the world, with a national prevalence rate of 32 percent of children under five.
These challenges and many more are the reasons for the commemoration of National Nutrition Week from September 1st to 7th every year to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and promote healthy eating habits.
The week is to educate on how people can make diet more nutrient-dense, by incorporating whole grains, a variety of colourful vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Nutrition not only improves overall health and immunity, but also help prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
The significance of National Nutrition Week lies in its mission to address nutritional deficiencies and promote a healthier nation.
With a large percentage of the population, especially children and women, suffering from malnutrition, under nutrition, or micronutrient deficiencies, the National Nutrition Week aims to spread knowledge about the critical role nutrition plays in growth, immunity, cognitive development, and overall well-being.
It was in 1973 that the American Diabetes Association (ADA) launched the first National Nutrition Week campaign.
The event was pushed into the public with radio service announcements, TV countdowns, news releases and even a presidential proclamation.
This year’s theme for National Nutrition Week is “Nutritious Diets for Everyone.”
The theme aligns with the United Nations’ goal for sustainable development, focusing on encouraging diets that meet the nutritional needs of people at all life stages.
The cost of a healthy diet can also inform the minimum income needed by households to access a healthy diet.
As Nigerians battle poor diets coupled with poor income rate, it is important for government to implement the national plan of action on food and nutrition by strengthening health and community systems.
Government must fully integrate nutrition into all aspects of the Primary Health Care (PHC) system, with a particular focus on community management of acute malnutrition is needed.
Social safety net programmes, such as cash transfers and food subsidies, can also help to alleviate poverty and improve food security for vulnerable populations.
Agriculture, which is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy must be improved and farmers protected from insecurity, as agricultural productivity can help to increase food production and reduce food insecurity.
In conclusion, scaling up nutrition-specific interventions, strengthening data collection and monitoring, and mobilizing resources for nutrition are other good steps that should be taken to improve diet in Nigeria.
THAT VIEWPOINT ON TRANSFORMING THE FOOD SYSTEMS OF NIGERIA TO ENSURE HEALTHY DIETS WAS WRITTEN BY HEAD OF EDITORIAL UNIT, YETUNDE OKE.
