CS-SUNN tasks FG on implementation of micronutrient deficiency guidelines

The Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has called on the federal government and other stakeholders to play their roles in the implementation of the national guideline for the prevention and control of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Nigeria (MNDC).

The Executive Secretary of CS-SUNN, Sunday Okoronkwo, made the call in Abuja during a one-day media roundtable on the MNDC Guideline organised by the Partnership for Improving Nigeria Nutrition Systems (PINNS) in collaboration with CS-SUNN.

Quoting the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (2018 NDHS), he said the country has an alarming prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies that has persisted over the decades.

He said the major micronutrient deficiencies, which are of public health importance, include vitamin A, iron and iodine deficiencies.

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The deficiencies of these micronutrients cause a variety of morbidities and increased mortality, which are most severe in children, adolescent girls and pregnant women.

Okoronkwo said the NDHS 2018 revealed that only 45.3% of children 6 to 59 months old benefit from Vitamin A supplementation, and that 68% of under-five Nigerian children are anaemic while 58% of pregnant women also suffer from anaemia.

He said governments are pivotal in setting nutrition policies, allocating resources and establishing regulatory frameworks.

He said the private sector holds immense potential to contribute to improved nutrition outcomes, adding that international organizations, foundations and donors are crucial in supporting governments and stakeholders in implementing the MNDC guideline.

The CS-SUNN Executive Secretary, said the active involvement of these key stakeholders in implementing the MNDC guideline can yield substantial benefits, including enhanced coordination and collaboration, avoiding duplication of resources and maximizing impact.