Stakeholders calls for nutrition campaign

From Akilani Abdullah,Lagos

Stakeholders in the health sector have urged the media to embark on an aggressive campaign and effective reporting on the role of nutrition in the first 1,000 days of a child.

This call was made at the 3rd Nestle Creating Shared Value (CSV) media workshop on Wednesday, tagged: “Mainstreaming Nutrition, Water and Rural Development News Reporting in Nigeria:.

Speaking at the event, the President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Ngozi Nnam, in her presentation on ‘The First 1000 Days of Life: Role of Right Nutrition and Feeding Practices’ made it known that the first 1000 days of a child is so critical saying it can turn around fortune of a country.

“The inadequate supply of nutrients during the first 1000 days of a child leads to stunted brain, stunted development then translate to stunted nations.

Speaking further, Nnam stressed that the period is a time when the foundation for national growth of a nation is established.

“It is a period that shapes the society’s long term health. A period that determines how brainy and healthy a child would be for the rest of his/her life and the ability of a child to develop to his full potentials.

“It is a period of window of opportunity which can have a profound impact on a child’s ability to grow and, learn and rise out of poverty.” She added.

Nman, however urged mothers to be in good nutritional status before and during pregnancy saying malnutrition is the greatest cause of child’s death Nationwide.