DSM, UNICEF, Sight and Life partner on better nutrition in Nigeria

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Royal DSM, a global science company active in health and nutrition, UN children’s agency UNICEF, and Swiss-based humanitarian nutrition think tank Sight and Life have announced a new partnership to deliver better nutrition to at-risk children and mothers in Nigeria.
The partners will also advocate on a global scale for micronutrient supplementation.
This was contained in a statement issued yesterday in New York city by UNICEF Chief of Communication Doune Porter.
It said guided by the Sustainable Development Goal’s target of ending hunger and improving nutrition everywhere, the partnership will focus on reaching mothers and children with nutrition interventions during the crucial first 1,000 days of children’s lives, from conception to age 2.
“Good nutrition during this period plays a vital role in supporting children’s physical and cognitive development with lifelong benefits”.
The statement added that less 6than 20% of children in Nigeria are fed diets that meet the minimum adequacy for health growth and development and nearly 40% of children under 5 have stunted growth, a condition caused by malnutrition.
“Good nutrition is a human right. DSM is proud to partner once again with UNICEF and Sight and Life to improve nutrition in Nigeria and across Africa, especially for vulnerable populations like women and children. It is an important step toward achieving a world without hunger and a world in which people everywhere can reach their full potential,” said Feike Sijbesma, CEO and Chairman of the DSM Managing Board.
DSM offers essential vitamins, nutrients, and fortification solutions as well as expertise that complements the research, programs, and global reach of UNICEF and Sight and Life.
“Nutrition is one of the most effective and cost-effective investments we can make — in children’s lives and futures, and in the long-term strength of their societies,” said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. “Every child has a right to grow up healthy and strong, and this new partnership with Royal DSM and Sight and Life will help more children in Nigeria to realize that right.”