Health Stakeholders Seek Urgent Solutions To Address Anemia In Nigeria

Stakeholders in the health sector have stressed the need urgently address the growing challenge of maternal and child malnutrition in the country.

At a Media Roundtable in Abuja on Anemia Prevention, Other Nutrition-Related National Issues in Nigeria, the Executive Secretary, Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) Mr. Sunday Okoronkwo expressed worry over the growing cases of Anemia.

Mr. Okoronkwo noted that one billion women lack access to adequate nutrition and balanced diets essential for survival and growth through every stage of life globally.

The Executive Secretary who was represented by CS-SUNN Communications and Campaign Manager , Peter Olushola said two out of every three women of reproductive age suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, severely impacting maternal and child health outcomes.

”In Nigeria, the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reveal troubling rise in malnutrition compared to five years ago.”, ”The data shows that 4 in 10 (40%) Nigerian children under five are stunted up from 37% in 2018. Additionally, 55% of women of reproductive age are anemic.”

”These figures represent real lives—current and future generations—whose growth, cognitive development, immunity, and productivity are being compromised,” he said.

Mr. Sunday Okoronkwo explained that Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) have emerged as a cost-effective intervention that improves maternal nutrition outcomes.

” MMS contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring significant improvement in birth outcomes.”

According to the Executive Secretary, ”Research indicates that daily MMS intake during pregnancy can prevent anemia, promote healthy pregnancy outcomes, and reduce the likelihood of low birth weights.”

In a message to the event, the Head Nutrition Department, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Ladidi Aiyegbusi Bako said Federal Government was committed to improving healthcare outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children.

She noted that the present Administration would continue to promote sustainable and effective nutrition programs.

On her part, the FCT Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Rukaya Wamako pointed out that Anemia was an important public health concern in the territory.

While calling for more support and partnership to address the prevalence of Anemia, she said there was need for more enlightenment especially at the rural areas.

In a paper presentation on ”Overview of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Nigeria and MMS uptake in anaemia prevention and control”, the Senior Medical Officer, FMOHSW, Dr Mariah Odey said malnutrition can manifest in various forms.

”These include Stunting, when a child does not attain the right height for their age due to chronic malnutrition, ”Underweight: When a child has low weight for their age, indicating acute or chronic malnutrition, wasting, When a child is too thin for their height, often due to acute malnutrition.”

She highlighted the importance of adequate nutrition during the critical period of complementary feeding, typically around 6-24 months.

”During this stage, children require continued breastfeeding and a balanced diet that includes all essential food groups to support optimal growth and development.”

Dr Mariah emphasized the need for sustained efforts to address malnutrition in Nigeria, including promoting optimal feeding practices, improving access to nutritious food, and supporting vulnerable populations.

She noted that Malnutrition has severe and lasting impacts on individuals, families, and countries as a whole.

” These are not just numbers but lives and those of current and next generations, these lives continue to be impacted by these conditions that collectively hinder growth and cognitive development.

”Weaken immunity, increase vulnerability to illness, death, reinforce the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition, and even contribute to reduced productivity later in adulthood.”