APC states to implement common child nutrition policy

Jide Orintunsin, Abuja

Apparently disturbed by the wide gap in child nutrition and the attendant socio-economic challenges in the country, All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled States are to implement Common Policy Initiatives on Promoting Child Nutrition in their States. This decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the 9th quarterly meeting of the Secretaries to Government of the APC States (SGSs) with Governor of Plateau, Hon. Simon Bako Lalong and Jigawa State Governor, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar the co-chairmen of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Goveranance Programme Steering Committee held via teleconference.

The communiqué jointly signed by the two governors was made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday. Addressing the meeting, Plateau State governor, Hon. Lalung noted the widespread crisis of child malnutrition among children, below five years of age in the country, and the associated wasting, stunting, low cognitive ability among children, and the resultant low earning capabilities after they have become adults.

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Regrettably, Lalung said that global COVID-19 pandemic has further worsen the situation and introduced entirely new dimensions to the crisis of nutrition by aggravating and widening the scope of the problem beyond the children to including adult population. He emphasised the determination of APC Governors to put the issue of child nutrition on the front burner and develop an enduring framework that will not only address the challenge of child nutrition within the shortest time possible but also ensure that access to food by all vulnerable households is reasonably guaranteed at all times.

The APC states are to engage critical stakeholders and explore cross-sectoral opportunities for child nutrition interventions at all levels; plan and implement nutrition policy interventions and programmes.