TARABA STATE JOINS GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST MALNUTRITION

 

Taraba State has joined the global community in the fight against malnutrition, a scourge that has affected millions of children worldwide. As the world observes Malnutrition Awareness Week, a coalition of organizations in the state has embarked on a week-long program to tackle the menace of malnutrition among children in the state.

According to health experts, malnutrition remains a significant public health concern in Taraba State, with alarming rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight children. The leading causes of malnutrition in the state have been identified as poor feeding practices, food insecurity, inadequate food storage and handling, and lack of awareness on proper nutrition and hygiene.

To address these challenges, a coalition of organizations, comprising African Parental and Enteral Nutrition, Institute for Dietetics in Nigeria (Taraba State Chapter), Light Up Initiative, Ministry of Budget and Planning, and Pro-Health International, has been formed. The coalition aims to create awareness and implement a multi-faceted approach to address the scourge of malnutrition in the state.

The approach includes promoting exclusive breastfeeding, supporting small-scale farmers to improve food security, providing training on proper food storage and handling, and conducting community-based nutrition education programs. These initiatives are designed to empower communities to take action against malnutrition and ensure a healthier future for children and other members.

In an exclusive interview on TarabaNews Hour Television broadcast, nutrition expert Grace Stephen, in her attempt to create awareness of the week long campaign, emphasized the importance of educating and empowering communities to take action against malnutrition. "Communities must work together to eliminate malnutrition and ensure a healthier future for children and other members," she stressed.

The week-long program, which commenced on Monday 16th September, 2024, has seen a series of activities, including community outreach, nutrition education, and training on proper food storage and handling. The program has also seen the distribution of nutritional supplements to vulnerable children and pregnant women.

The initiative by a coalition of organizations to tackle malnutrition in Taraba State has received widespread commendation from various stakeholders. Speaking on the initiative, a public affairs commentator in Jalingo described malnutrition as a major public health concern in the state, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to address the issue.

The commentator praised the commitment of the coalition, comprising African Parental and Enteral Nutrition, Institute for Dietetics in Nigeria (Taraba State Chapter), Light Up Initiative, Ministry of Budget and Planning, and Pro-Health International, to tackling the menace head-on. He described the coalition as a significant step towards addressing the scourge of malnutrition in the state.

A public health expert, who preferred to remain anonymous, also commended the initiative, stating that it is a testament to the society's commitment to the well-being of its citizens, especially children and pregnant women. The expert noted that malnutrition is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach, and the coalition's efforts are a step in the right direction.

The coalition's initiative has also received support from the Taraba State government, the partnership with the Ministry Budget Planning is an expression of the government commitment to tackling malnutrition in the state.  The initiative is a testament to the government's commitment to the well-being of its citizens.

As the coalition continues its efforts to address malnutrition in Taraba State, it is clear that the fight against this scourge requires a collective effort. The support from various stakeholders is a positive step towards ensuring that the initiative achieves its objectives.

In a related development, the coalition has announced plans to expand its reach to other parts of the state, with a focus on rural areas where malnutrition is most prevalent. The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of children and pregnant women, and will include community-based nutrition education programs, training on proper food storage and handling, and the distribution of nutritional supplements.

The fight against malnutrition in Taraba State is a long-term effort that requires commitment and dedication from all stakeholders. With the coalition's initiative, the state is taking a significant step towards addressing this major public health concern. As the world observes Malnutrition Awareness Week, Taraba State's efforts serve as a model for other regions to follow in addressing this critical issue.