A Non-governmental Organisation, Civil Society Scalling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has called on the Sokoto State government to increase investments, timely releases and effective utilisation of allocated funds for nutrition services.
The Executive Secretary CS-SUNN, Mr Silas Ideva, made the call at a one day media roundtable on increased Investments in nutrition to scale-up quality nutrition services organised by CS-SUNN and UNICEF in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria.
Mr Ideva said the relevance of increased Investments in nutrition cannot be overstated, as nutrition remain a cornerstone for sustainable development, economic prosperity and the overall wellbeing of the populace in the country.
He said: “Allocation and promptly release of adequate funds for implementation of nutrition interventions design to reduce malnutrition.
“About 22.4% of households in Sokoto state are experiencing food insecurity, more investments will address various malnutrition challenges for socio-economic development in the state.”
Mr Ideva further urged the state government to approve and fund the Sokoto Multi-Sectoral Plan Action for nutrition and domestication of National Strategic Plan for Nutrition (NSPAN).
He said: “this comprehensive plan outlines costed, nutrition-specific, and nutrition-sensitive interventions with measurable targets spanning from 2014-2019.
“In Sokoto, the NSPAN is yet to be domesticated, through the state Food and Nutrition policy is operational.
” The non-approval of the state NSPAN serves as a persistent barrier, affecting the adoption of of a coordinated, Multi-Sectoral approach by various nutrition related ministries, departments and agencies in promoting food and nutrition security in Sokoto.
“The supportive environment for maternity protection and entitlements, crucial for fostering and enhancing breastfeeding practices.
“If given attention the issues of malnutrition will be a history in the state,” he noted.
Mr Ideva also urged the media to intensify reporting on nutrition issues, attracting policymakers and stakeholders to take decisive steps towards curbing malnutrition in Sokoto.
The Executive Secretary further advised other relevant organisations to collaborate with CS-SUNN in advocating for the implementation of maternal and child nutrition interventions in Sokoto State.
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