FG, GAIN Launch Cost Of Healthy Diet Indicator To Address Food Insecurity

To help make healthy diets affordable for all people at all times, and track progress towards global goals at the national, and sub-national levels, the federal government and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) have launched a Cost of Healthy Diet (CoHD), indicator.

The indicator is a Tracking and monitoring publication that shows the cost of a healthy diet and offers valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, as well as organizations to discern patterns, assess disparities, and implement targeted interventions that address the root causes of food insecurity.

At the event in Abuja, the Statistician General, National Bureau of Statistics, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran said the event underscores the NBS dedication to providing information that not only guides strategic actions but also directly influences critical aspects of the nation’s development.

”The significance of this launch is particularly pronounced in its contribution to food security and the decision-making processes related to food systems.”

According to him, ”This event underscores our dedication to providing information that not only guides strategic actions but also directly influences critical aspects of our nation’s development, reinforcing the indispensable role that accurate and timely data plays in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future.”

Prince Adeniran noted that global food insecurity remains a pressing issue, affecting millions of people worldwide, and the multifaceted issue stems from a combination of factors, including poverty, conflict, climate change, and inadequate infrastructure.

”Efforts to address global food insecurity therefore require a comprehensive approach and collaboration among governments, private sector operators, and development partners, to implement effective strategies that not only respond to immediate hunger but also foster long-term food resilience and security,” he said.

”Over the past decade, there has been a growing emphasis on access to healthy diets, as an integral means to achieving food security goals and improving overall nutritional outcomes,” Prince Adeniran added.

In an address, the Country Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Dr Micheal Ojo said that the data would help to identify supply challenges in specific foods or food groups, as well as the causes of poor diet quality thereby providing policymakers and other stakeholders with actionable insights for targeted interventions.

”While healthy diets are crucial for preventing various forms of malnutrition and reducing the risks of non-communicable diseases, the escalating cost of nutritious foods has emerged as a significant obstacle for individuals and communities globally.”

According to Dr Ojo, ”Until now traditionally available food security indicators did not adequately capture economic access to nutritious foods in alignment with the core principles of food security.

”The introduction of Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) indicators fills this gap by reflecting both physical and economic access to a healthy diet.”
Dr Micheal Ojo noted that the indicator is a comprehensive state-level dashboard that helps to describe and diagnose deficiencies and issues with the country’s food system as well as provide inputs for decisions required for ensuring the viability of nutrition-sensitive food systems in each state and the FCT.