Lagos Urged to Utilize Child Nutrition Fund for Micronutrient Support in Pregnant Women
The Lagos government is urged to use the Child Nutrition Fund to provide multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) to all pregnant women in the state.
The Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) made this appeal during a media event aimed at improving awareness and use of MMS for preventing and controlling anaemia in Nigeria.
CS-SUNN’s Executive Secretary, Sunday Okoronkwo, explained that the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) is a financial resource from UNICEF. It allows national governments to increase investments in essential nutrition products like MMS for preventing anaemia. Okoronkwo emphasized the need for Lagos State to invest strategically in MMS to reduce anaemia rates, improve pregnancy outcomes, and support healthier futures for children.
The statement stressed the importance of integrating MMS into Antenatal Care Protocols in healthcare facilities. It is vital that all pregnant women receive the necessary micronutrient support. Healthcare providers should receive training to effectively deliver MMS and inform mothers about its benefits.
What are the main challenges in addressing malnutrition among pregnant women and children in Lagos State?
Interview with Sunday Okoronkwo, Executive Secretary of CS-SUNN
interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Sunday. Could you begin by explaining the importance of the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) and its potential impact on maternal and child health in Lagos State?
sunday Okoronkwo: Thank you for having me. The Child Nutrition Fund, facilitated by UNICEF, is a vital financial resource that enables government entities to allocate necessary investments toward essential nutrition initiatives. In Lagos State, leveraging the CNF to provide multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) can significantly combat anaemia among pregnant women. This initiative is crucial for better pregnancy outcomes and ultimately helps support healthier futures for their children.
interviewer: You mentioned the alarming rates of anaemia and malnutrition in Nigeria. Can you shed light on the specific statistics that prompted this appeal?
Sunday Okoronkwo: Certainly. Recent data from the 2023-24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey reveals that about 55% of women of reproductive age in Nigeria suffer from anaemia. In Lagos State,we see worrying trends—17.3% of children under five are stunted, 6% are underweight, and 14.3% experience wasting. These figures are unacceptable and underscore the urgent need for strategic investment in MMS to address and curtail these high rates of malnutrition.
Interviewer: What steps do you believe the Lagos government should take to effectively integrate MMS into their healthcare system?
Sunday Okoronkwo: First and foremost, it’s imperative that MMS is integrated into the Antenatal Care Protocols across healthcare facilities. This means that every pregnant woman should have access to these supplements. Additionally, healthcare providers need proper training to deliver these supplements effectively and educate mothers on their benefits. We must also establish a strong monitoring system to track MMS distribution, which will help prevent stockouts and ensure availability in both urban and rural areas.
Interviewer: How do you plan to support civil society organizations in tracking MMS usage among pregnant women?
Sunday okoronkwo: In the coming weeks, we will roll out support for civil society organizations focused on tracking and monitoring MMS coverage and usage. This initiative will involve gathering data about how many pregnant women are receiving MMS and the effectiveness of the program. By improving data availability, we can advocate more effectively for enhanced maternal nutrition policies and programs.
interviewer: given the rising malnutrition statistics, how pressing do you view the need for immediate action from the Lagos government?
sunday Okoronkwo: The situation is critical. The increasing rates of malnutrition among both mothers and children demand immediate action. If we do not implement measures like promoting MMS use now, we risk perpetuating a cycle of malnutrition that will affect generations to come. The time for action is now, and we must work collaboratively to ensure that every pregnant woman in Lagos has access to the nutrition she needs to support her health and her child’s well-being.
interviewer: thank you, Sunday.Your insights are invaluable as we work to address these pressing health issues.
Sunday Okoronkwo: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. Together, we can advance the health and nutrition of mothers and children in Lagos State.
A strong system for monitoring MMS distribution is also crucial. This will help prevent stockouts and ensure that supplies are available in both rural and urban healthcare settings. In the coming weeks, CS-SUNN plans to support civil society organizations in tracking and monitoring MMS coverage and usage among pregnant women. This will improve data availability and strengthen advocacy for better maternal nutrition.
Recent findings from the 2023-24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) show rising malnutrition levels in Nigeria. The report indicates that 40% of children under five are stunted, worsening from 37% in 2018. Additionally, about 55% of women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia. Lagos State reflects this trend, with 17.3% of children under five being stunted, 6% underweight, and 14.3% suffering from wasting. Prompt action is necessary to tackle this escalating malnutrition crisis.