Government at all levels urge to Prioritize Nutrition of Women, Children, Elderly – Former Kogi Women Commissioner.
Government at all levels have been tasked to help in ensuring that their citizens have access to nutritional foods.
This was the summation made by a one time Kogi State Commissioner For Women Affairs, Mrs Yemisi Ogunmola in a paper presentation titled ” The role of government in the provision of nutrition”.
Mrs Ogunmola made the presentation at the official flag off ceremony for malnourished child, vulnerable groups and Special People held in Lokoja by the Kogi State Government, through the Community and Social Development Agency, under the NG Cares program.
According to Mrs. Ogunmola, the government efforts will help reduce the burden of malnutrition, promote overall health and well-being of the citizens.
She pointed out that government have implemented several nutrition interventions to address malnutrition, however said that more needs to be done.
Mrs. Ogunmola mentioned the
National Policy on Food and Nutrition, National Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (NMPFAN), Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project and the EatSafe program as various intervention by Government, however called for more holistic approach
She urge government to play crucial roles in ensuring the provision of nutrition to its citizens, particularly the vulnerable population such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Mrs. Ogunmola mentioned key roles of government in nutrition provision to include Policy Development and Implementation, Nutrition Education and Awareness, Provide nutrition education and awareness programs to inform citizens about healthy eating habits and nutrition.
Similarly, Food Assistance Programs, Food Safety Regulation, Regulate and monitor food safety to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses, offer Nutrition-Related Health Services and Food Security Initiatives as intervention to improve nutrition.
She however praised the State Government for the present initiative, lauded the immeasurable contributions of Kogi Community and Social Development Agency for piloting the initiative.