Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a two-year $9.5 million Advancing Nutrition Activity to improve the nutritional health of citizens in three states – Bauchi, Kebbi, and Sokoto.
The nutrition programme will address the immediate and underlying causes of malnutrition, provide technical support, share innovations, and conduct research to improve nutritional outcomes.
According to a statement on Monday, the launch, which was held on March 29, was also an opportunity to showcase the USAID/Nigeria Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy (2020-2025) developed in partnership with the Nigeria government and other key stakeholders.
Food insecurity and malnutrition represent critical public health concerns in Nigeria as they constitute two of Nigeria’s greatest challenges to sustainably ending hunger, achieving food and nutrition security, and improving economic growth.
These challenges are not exclusive to one facet of the country, but rather affect the health and productivity of the entire population. Therefore, addressing these interlinked challenges is front and centre in the attempt to achieve USAID’s Mission in Nigeria Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) goal and objectives.
In his remarks, USAID Health, Population, and Nutrition Office Director, Mr Paul McDermott said, “Malnutrition has a far-reaching impact on the most vulnerable populations, especially children, adolescents, and women.
“Addressing malnutrition is critical to improving health, education, and economic development,” he said.
According to a 2021 report by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), malnutrition is the underlying cause of nearly half of the deaths of children under age five every year in Nigeria.
The activity is led by John Snow, Inc. and JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. and a diverse group of experienced partners, including Helen Keller International.
