Category: Health

FG to introduce electronic blood management system – Minister
FG to introduce electronic blood management system — Minister
Press briefing in commemoration of the 2024 World Blood Donor Day organised by the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) on Friday in Abuja.

Blood
By Justina Auta
Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, says efforts are in place to introduce Electronic Blood Management System for effective and efficient blood service delivery nationwide.
He disclosed this at a press briefing in commemoration of the 2024 World Blood Donor Day with the theme “20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors!”, organised by the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC).
The minister, who was represented by Chris Isokpunwu, Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics, said that the idea was to ensure availability of safe blood and blood products in Nigeria.
He said “we are in the process of scaling up activities of the commission to all parts of the country, and introducing an Electronic Blood Management System to ensure effective and efficient blood service delivery.”
He acknowledged the role of blood donors in saving lives, adding that “the donation rate in Nigeria shows that over 80 per cent of blood collected are from family replacement and commercial blood donors.
“Data on the donation rate in Nigeria shows that more than 80 per cent of blood collected are from families.
“Empirical evidence shows that the most reliable and safest source of blood comes from a stable base of regular, voluntary, unpaid blood donors, rather than from commercial sources.
“The World Health Assembly resolution WHA63.12 urges all member states to develop national blood systems based on voluntary unpaid donations and to work toward the goal of self-sufficiency.”
The minister said that the use of blood and blood products had become an integral part of modern medical practice as access to safe blood and blood products was critical to achieving an effective health system.
“With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria’s estimated blood need is about two million units per annum.
“Unfortunately, much less is currently donated, leading to avoidable deaths, morbidities, or ill health, particularly among our womenfolk, newborns, and victims of road traffic accidents and insurgency.
“This situation can improve if only one per cent of our country’s adult population commits itself to voluntary non-remunerated blood donation regularly,” he said
Also, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, the Director-General, NBSC, said “blood donation plays a critical role in saving lives and strengthening the healthcare system in the country.”
According to Yuguda, transfusion of blood and blood products help patients to live longer and with higher quality of life.
“Additionally, blood transfusion supports complex medical and surgical procedures, thus, making it indispensable in maternal and childcare, as well as during man-made and natural disasters.
“Recent data indicates that more people are dying from lack of access to blood and blood products than communicable diseases in developing countries,” he said.
Dr Walter Mulombo, the Country Representative, World Health Organisation (WHO), said Nigeria is one of the 16 African countries with 80 per cent of blood donation from voluntary blood donation.
Mulombo, who was represented by Dr Hamzat Tayo, however, stressed the need to create awareness on blood donation as the total number of blood collected was still low at 5.2 units per one thousand population.
Mohammed Ibrahim, the Chief Route Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), emphasised the need for more voluntary non-remunerated blood donors.
According to Ibrahim, the goal is to save lives and to see that injury and death are reduced by five per cent.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlights of the commemoration include conferment of awards to notable blood donors and engagement and advocacy with the media, community and religious leaders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
June 14, 2024
Veritas Kapital workers voluntarily donate blood to save lives
Staff of Veritas Kapital donating blood to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day of Friday in Lagos
Blood
By Rukayat Adeyemi
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) In commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day, staff of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc, on Friday donated blood to the nation’s blood bank to save lives, and as service to humanity.
The blood donation drive was through a partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service(LSBTS) and the National Blood Service Commission(NBSC) in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the World Blood Donor Day is held annually on June 14 to appreciate voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood and to raise awareness of the need.
The 2024 World Blood Donor Day, which marks the 20th year anniversary of celebrating blood donors, is with the theme: “20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors!”.
Commenting, Mr Sunkanmi Adekeye, Executive Director, Operations of Veritas Kapital Plc, said that the blood donation was done simultaneously in the insurance company’s Lagos and Abuja offices.
Adekeye said this was part of the insurance company’s Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) to the public and to also support the government’s campaign on voluntary donation into the country’s blood bank.
Adekeye explained that Veritas Kapital had keyed into the blood donation programmes since year 2022 when it partnered the NBSC in Abuja for its staff to donate blood.
The Executive Director noted that the insurance company extended the mandate to staff of its Lagos office through the LSBTS this year, as a commitment to reach more Nigerians who need blood.
“As a corporate entity, we are committed to saving lives and giving more people opportunities to live; service to humanity is the best gift of life.
“We are fully aware of the importance of blood for survival, and as a dutiful insurance firm, we are committed to support government’s campaign and effort to ensure sufficient blood supply in the nation’s blood bank.
“We need all Nigerians to live in good health and sound mind, as it is a living being that can be insured; hence our effort to also contribute and champion the course of blood donation.
Reacting, Mrs Temitope Balogun, Lead Team, LSBTS Voluntary Blood Donation Drive at Veritas Kapital, lauded the underwriting firm for partnering with LSBTS and championing the mission for sufficient blood supply in the country.
Balogun said that Veritas Kapital through its partnership with the blood donating services has joined the league of companies with life saving culture in the country.
“Veritas Kapital is now on the list of partnering companies with the LSBTS and saving lives of Nigerians,”she said.
According to Balogun,voluntary blood donation increases the availability of blood in blood bank for those who need blood urgently to survive.
She listed patients in need of blood to include: sickle cell and cancer patients, children that are anemic and need blood transfusion, accident victims, a woman who delivered of a baby with complications or bleeding, among others.
According to her, blood donation is beneficial to donors, as it helps them to shed excess iron in the heart, ascertain their blood pressure and hemoglobin level, as well as check their prostrates and weights.
Balogun advised male Nigerians to donate blood every three months and for women, every four months.
This, she said, would help in maintaining appropriate well-being as well as contribute to saving the life of others.
NAN also reports that Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc is a leading insurance company in Nigeria licensed to cover all classes of non-life insurance products and services.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu
June 14, 2024
Blood Donor Day: Haematologist tasks Nigerians on voluntary blood donation

Blood
By Lilian Okoro
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) A Consultant Haematologist, Prof. Adedoye Dosunmu, has canvased the need for more Nigerians to cultivate the habit of voluntary blood donation to save lives and enhance access to readily available safe blood.
Dosunmu made the call at a lecture organised by the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to commemorate ‘2024 World Blood Donor Day’ on Friday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually on June 14, to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products to save lives.
The programme has the theme: Celebrating 20 Years of Giving: Thank You Blood Donors.
Dosunmu, a Guest Speaker at the event, spoke on the significance of the day, calling for more advocacy in Nigeria as most people doid not understand the need for regular blood donation.
According to him, there is an urgent need to orientate Nigerians on the importance of blood donation, especially as voluntary givers, as it saves more lives if blood can easily be accessed by the health institution and patients when needed.
Highlighting the benefits of voluntary blood donation, Dosunmu said that it reduced the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke, depression and elongates life.
The haematologist explained that regular blood donors had the opportunity of having regular medical checkup, which predisposed the individual to a healthier lifestyle.
He said that an individual could donate blood in three months intervals, which translated to donating blood up to three or four times per year.
“The World Health Organisation explains that blood is an important resource, both for planned treatment and urgent interventions.
“Blood can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with a higher quality of life and supports complex medical and surgical procedures.
“It is also vital for treating the wounded during emergencies of all kinds (natural disasters, accidents, armed conflicts, etc.) and has an essential, life-saving role in maternal and perinatal care.
“Hence, the need for more people to voluntarily donate blood to not only save lives but also help to enhance access to safe and readily available blood,” he said.
Prof. Titi Adeyemo, a Consultant Haematologist from the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, LUTH, said that regular blood donors stood the chance of living five years extra than people who were not regular blood donor.
Adeyemo explained that blood donation kept the bone marrow active, which in turn kept the individual younger.
She decried that Nigeria still heavily relied on family replacement donor, where relatives were forced to donate blood.
Adeyemo, therefore, urged people not to wait for an emergency before they start donating blood.
“So, what we have decided to do this year is to also invite secondary school students so that we start identifying and building them young to be regular future blood donors.
“As soon as they are 18 years of age, let them register with any nearby blood transfusion service and start maintaining healthy lifestyles, be committed to regular blood donation and be saving lives.
“It is very safe for people between 18 and 65 years of age to donate blood three or four times a year.
“Blood donation keeps the bone marrow active and once the bone marrow is active, it keeps the individual younger.
“And some evidence have shown that regular blood donors live five years extra than people who were not regular blood donor; because their bone marrow is continually renewed,” she said.
The Chief Medical Director, LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, said the day aimed to sensitise people on the importance of having safe blood and blood products in the blood bank to assist health institutions save lives.
Represented by the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, LUTH, Dr Babawale Bello, Adeyemo said the hospital partnered with a lot of organisations, communities and the society at large to encourage voluntary blood donation.
According to him, for every blood donated, a life would have been saved and blood donation creates room for an individual to be tested for physical fitness.
A regular Blood Donor, Mr Olumide Omoge, said it gave him joy to save lives through blood donation.
According to him, donating blood keeps me fit and my body becomes rejuvenated.
NAN reports that secondary school students from different schools across Lagos State were present at the lecture.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

June 14, 2024
Blood donation noble act of giving–NNPC
Life
By Franca Ofili
Abuja, June, 14, 2024(NAN) Mrs Mirian Anabui, Manager Diagnostics Services NNPC Medical Services Limited (NMSL), has described blood donation as a noble act of giving that symbolises the essence of humanity.
Anabui expressed this view on Friday in Abuja at an event to commemorate the 2024 World Blood Donor Day.
The theme of the event was “20 years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You Donors!”
“We stand united in gratitude and admiration for the noble act of giving; the act that sustains lives, fuels hope, and embodies the essence of humanity.
“Today, we come together to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 20 years of giving.
“With each donation, you have provided hope to those in need, strength to the vulnerable, and reassurance to the weary,” she said.
According to her, donors have represented the spirit of solidarity and compassion; demonstrating that a single act of kindness has the power to transform lives and shape the course of our shared humanity.
She urged them to reaffirm their commitment to supporting blood donation initiatives, raising awareness and advocating for equitable access to safe blood supplies for all.
“Together, we can ensure that the legacy of giving continues to thrive and that future generations inherit a world where the gift of life knows no boundaries,’’ she said.
Delivering a lecture, Mr Oyetunde Akinloye, a educator, Blood Safety Consultant, said that the event was to create awareness for blood donations to ensure the quality, safety and availability of blood and blood products.
According to him, there is life in every drop; hence the need to give blood.
Akinloye said that blood services were vital part of the healthcare system, providing life-saving transfusion for a variety of medical conditions.
“However, maintaining a sustainable blood supply can be challenging due to factors like short shelf life of blood products, fluctuations in donor availability and increase demand for blood transfusions.
“Others are fund, high turnover of trained, skilled personnel and infrastructure/equipment,” he said.
According to him, blood transfusion situation in Nigeria lacks of reliable data.
Akinloye said that enhancing blood service sustainably should be a national blood policy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that certificates was given to donors.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

June 14, 2024
Prophecy: NHRC wades into human rights abuse in Ebonyi community
Prophecy: NHRC wades into human rights abuse in Ebonyi community
Prophecy
By Christian Ogbonna
Abakaliki, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Ebonyi has waded into the crisis of gross human rights abuse in Agharoza, Iboko Community in Izzi Local Government Area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that trouble erupted in the community on Thursday, when the youths allegedly set ablaze the house of their kinsman, Mr John Ekpono.
The action followed a spiritual revelation by a clergyman, commonly known in the area as “Ubadimma”, who was in the community for a three-day crusade.
The cleric had made a revelation during the crusade that Ekpono was responsible for the community’s backwardness and other calamities befalling the area.
Convinced by the revelation, the youths went on rampage and burned down Okpono’s house and other valuables, accusing him of being evil.
Reacting to the development in an interview with NAN, the state Coordinator of NHRC, Mr Christopher Okorie, expressed concern that people could be so barbaric because of superstition.
Okorie frowned at the practice where people relied on unfounded revelations and superstitions to witch hunt innocent citizens in society.
He described such acts as unlawful and urged members of the society to desist from them.
He said that it was wrong for the youths to take the law into their hands by burning down Ekpono’s house.
“The people should stop taking the law into their hands.
“They should always report any issues of serious concern to the police, who are trained to handle such issues, professionally.
“We have met with the victim’s family and NHRC, in collaboration with some human rights-based civil society organisations in the state, have swung into action to investigate the case,” Okorie said.
He said that the commission was committed to ensuring that justice was done in the matter. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Sam Oditah

June 14, 2024
Group launches project empowering youths to address climate change in rural communities
Group launches project empowering youths to address climate change in rural communities
Youths
By Alex Enebeli
Enugu, June, 2024 (NAN) The Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs), has launched Project empowering youths organisations to build stronger communities by addressing climate issues in communities.
The project titled “Empowering Youth Civil Society to Build Stronger Communities in Nigeria” also seek
youth leadership in climate action policies and implementation to safeguard rural communities.
Speaking during the project launch in Enugu on Friday, Joshua Alade, Founder of NGYouthSDGs, emphasised that youths had to play critical role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
He said the project was to raise awareness among young people, their peers and the broader community
about climate issues and the importance of taking action and support youth innovations that enhance climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Alade added that the idea would help to create a Local Climate Action Network of youth organisations and actors to
mobilise local support and implementation of community-based climate solutions.
He said the organisation would work with at least 15 youth organisations from Delta, Enugu, Kaduna, Ondo and Nasarawa states to actualise the initiative.
According to him, the project represents a significant step towards inclusive climate action and sustainable development to tackle looming threat of climate change challenges in Nigeria and Africa that require urgent attention.
“If young people are aware of their rights, and they can communicate and mobilise other young people as servant leaders in their communities, they can build alliances and sit with decision-makers to create programs and policies that will help youth to lead and thrive.
“This project perfectly aligns with our mission to resource youth leaders and youth-led organisations to influence policies that enable young Nigerians to lead and thrive,” Alade said.
He explained that with support from the Germany Missions in Nigeria, the initiative aimed to equip youth-led civil society organisations (CSOs) in partnership with young people in their local communities to initiate, drive and transform policies.
This, he said, would lead to the implementation of Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
“Through carefully designed capacity development sessions, these youth organisations will learn how to support NAP and NDCs.
“The trained CSOs will work together to mobilise young people and youth stakeholders in their states to facilitate the meaningful engagement of youth in the implementation of the NAP and NDCs.
“This include a National Sustainable Futures Dialogue with at least two hundred young people, therefore, raising awareness about the NAPs and the NDCs across the country,” Alade explained.
He added that the youth CSOs would be equipped with tools to work with their communities to create a Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) which would be shared with their state government ensuring young people were in the driver’s seat on policies that affect them.
According to him, the project will also provide technical support to not just the state government but other government agencies and ministries like the Federal Ministry of Environment on effective dialogue and meaningful youth engagement in the implementation of the NAP and NDCs.
The Founder stressed that Germany Government recognised that the youths were key stakeholders in the national adaptation process to climate change.
“They are providing essential funding for this project, showing their commitment to walk the talk when it comes to climate action and resourcing young Nigerians to be at the forefront of action.
This support will help NGYouthSDGs strengthen its youth leadership initiative and equip youth with the tools they need to take social action in communities across Nigeria,” he added.
He, however, urged youth organisations leading climate action in Delta, Enugu, Ondo, Kaduna and Nasarawa States, to use https://climatevoices.nigerianyouthsdgs.org/ to apply and participate in the project.
“They should also reach out to Opeyemi Ogundeji Programmes Manager, NGYouthSDGs Email: opeyemi@nigerianyouthsdgs.org About NGYouthSDGs,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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June 14, 2024
Cholera: Visit hospital early to prevent death, Health Professional urges Nigerians

Health
By Kemi Akintokun
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Temitayo Olotu, the Apex Nurse/ Deputy Director of Nursing Services at the Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, on Friday called for early presentation of cholera patients in hospitals to prevent death.
Olotu made the call at a three-day programme and medical outreach organised by the Nursing Department of the hospital to mark the 2024 International Nurses Week.
She noted that there had been increased cases of cholera at Oworu, in Kosofe LCDA, and urged residents of the area to maintain good hygiene and keep their environment clean.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State Ministry of Health on June 12, in a statement, called for vigilance and precaution to prevent potential spread of cholera in the state.
Prof. Akin Abayomi, the state’s Commissioner for Health, in the statement disclosed that Lagos recorded five deaths from 60 cholera cases within 48 hours.
Olotu said said that there was a high rate of cholera, especially in Oworu which is under Kosofe.
“We’re creating awareness by telling the people to be conscious of it, to avoid self medication, maintain personal hygiene and desist from buying public food from unclean environment, ” she said.
She advised them to desist from drinking contaminated water by ensuring that water from where they defecate did not mix with the water they’re drinking or using to cook.
“If a person is vomiting or stooling frequently, you should not hesitate to refer the person to hospital on time because people are dying as a result of cholera, ” she said.
Olotu said that the medical outreach was part of activities to celebrate the International Nurses Week by giving back to the community through health and sensitise them on the cholera outbreak.

Nurses of Gbagada General Hospital checking Sugar level and blood pressure of beneficiaries at a Medical Outreach organised by the hospital Nursing Department in Lagos.

She said no fewer than 200 people that benefited from the outreach were tested for free blood sugar level, blood pressure and were given various drugs relating to their ailments.
The Apex Nurse advised the Lagos State residents to take advantage of the State Health Insurance scheme tagged “Ilera Eko” to access healthcare at a very subsidised rate.
“We observed that a lot of people don’t go for medical check up and treatment and that is why we are here to check their BP and Sugar level as well as providing drugs for them.
“We appreciate the effort of Lagos State Government to the health sector, but we also implore government to subsidize more for the aged and retirees on the Ilera Eko health scheme”, she said.
Also, Mrs Jibike Olasheni, Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Operating Theatre Department of the hospital, said the International Nurses Week was an avenue to celebrate nurses for their contribution to health.
“ We commenced this programme in the hospital ground with physical fitness and exercise to create awareness.
“This was followed by a scientific workshop which focused on ‘report writing’ and ‘ethical principles in nursing’ to educate the younger nurses,” she said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
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Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Vivian Ihechu
June 14, 2024
SUNU Health reiterates commitment to human health, well being

Commitment
By Abiodun Azi
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Dr Faith Nwachi, Chief Operating Officer, SUNU Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), has reiterated the organisation’s commitment to human health and well being.
Nwachi said this in Lagos on Friday when the HMO hosted Cute Kids Haven Foundation (CKHF), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
She said that SUNU Health was a subsidiary of SUNU Group with presence in 17 African countries.
“SUNU is all about everything good with dedication and passion to human existence well being.
“We are happy to associate with CKHF NGO, the smiles on the children faces on the occasion of their day brings us joy.
“We hope to continue to partner with you in your future endeavors” she said
Earlier, Mr Ayodeji Fadipe, CKHF NGO Administrator, said that support from organisations like SUNU Health HMO helped to keep the NGO going.
Fadipe said that it was not about giving alone, but the relevance the NGO got from the HMO.
According to him, it is such relevance and recognition that propels the NGO to put smiles on the faces of children.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Vivian Ihechu
June 14, 2024
Expert advises regular exercise to prevent diseases
Exercise
By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
Calabar, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Mr Sunday Ifiok, a Calabar-based fitness coach, has reiterated the need for regular physical activities in order to prevent some diseases.
Ifiok made the statement in Calabar on Friday at an annual aerobic fitness session organised by the City Walker Group, tagged: “Fit and Fat”
He said that regular exercise could help to prevent heart attacks, obesity, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety among others.
The fitness coach stated that indulging in physical activities to keep healthy was far cheaper than visiting health facilities.
“Physical activities stimulate many brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious.
“It may also make you feel better about your appearance. This feeling can boost your confidence and self-esteem,” he said.
Ifiok expressed concern at the regular cases of death through slumping, saying: “regular exercise is a way to reduce or prevent this”
“We must spend less to take care of our health through regular exercise, else we spend more in hospitals,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Mr Lyord Ndoma, said the event, the third in series, had continued to attract participants from different leanings.
“It has been an eye opener for us, we have continued to see improvement in activities regarding the annual event.
“We have introduced some new dimensions to the event such as sugar level tests and blood pressure checks,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Azubuike Okeh
June 14, 2024
KDSG reviews policy on food, nutrition
Review
By Sani Idris
Abuja, Jun. 13, 2024(NAN) HarvestPlus Nigeria, an initiative, has supported the Kaduna State Government (KDSG) in reviewing its policy on food and nutrition.
It works with partners to tackle hidden hunger on a global scale by breeding vitamins and minerals into everyday food crops.
The two-day review was organised by the State Planning and Budget Commission (PBC), where the state’s committee on food and nutrition is domiciled, in collaboration with HarvestPlus.
The Country Manager of HarvestPlus, Dr Yusuf Dollah, stated that with a focus on enhancing production standards, saying that iw was poised to elevate the quality and efficacy of its bio-fortified crops.
He underscored HarvestPlus’s decade-long dedication to developing bio-fortified crops tailored to address the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations.
Dollah added that crops meticulously bred to contain essential micro-nutrients and vitamins, offered a sustainable solution to combating malnutrition and promoting healthy growth.
He, therefore, stressed that reviewing the state Policy on Food and Nutrition was important to HarvestPlus so as to ensure their bio-fortification efforts align with national policies and priorities.
He equally said it would inform their policy decisions that can scale up biofortification impact on addressing hidden hunger.
“It will help us align with the state policy on food and nutrition, so as to maximize our impact and contribute to a more comprehensive approach to addressing malnutrition and improving public health,”he added.
Earlier in an opening remark, the Commissioner of commission, Mr Mukthar Ahmed, thanked HarvestPlus for itr unwavering dedication in championing the cause of nutrition and sustainable agriculture in the region and Kaduna in specific.
Ahmed was represented by the Director, Development Aid Coordination of the PBC, Hajiya Aisha Muhammad.
He said that through robust discussions, knowledge
sharing, and collective brainstorming, it would pave the way for innovative solutions that will drive positive change and foster sustainable development in the state.
“I am confident that this workshop will serve as a platform for constructive dialogue, meaningful exchange of ideas, and the forging of partnership that will propel us towards
our shared goal of a healthier, more nourished future for all,”he said.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Ministry of Health, Dr Aisha Abubakar, said living things need nutrition to survive.
She mentioned some of the challenges that deprive individuals and communities of optimal nutrition.
They include government policies, climate change, inadequate food fortification and supplementation practices, poverty and food insecurity, among others.
Abubakar, therefore, said eating small in the right diet will go a long way, adding that addressing the challenges is crucial to ensure that individuals and communities can achieve optimal nutrition and overall well-being.
In a goodwill message, the State Coordinator for Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Ms Jessica Bartholomew, said the engagement would enhance multi sectoral plans.
She said the current economic status has affected nutrition status in Kaduna State, where the review of the policy on food and nutrition was a critical step towards addressing it.
Also, Sarah Kwasu of Alive and Thrive, and Malam Sani Hassan of Nutrition Society of Nigeria, said a lot of things have changed, which made the review critical.
The duo commended the government for initiating the review of the State Policy on Food and Nutrition.
They added that the milestone demonstrated its commitment to addressing malnutrition and ensuring a healthier future for its citizens.
They acknowledged the progress made so far and reaffirmed their support to the government in achieving its nutrition goals.
Speaking to newsmen at the sideline of the last day of the review on Thursday, Mr Cyril Inegbedion, said biofortified crops which HarvestPlus wass into was key in the fight against hidden hunger and malnutrition which is prevalent in Northern Nigeria.
Inegbedion is the Project Team Lead for the FCDO funded scaling climate adapted and nutritious smart crops through market systems in Northern Nigeria project in HarvestPlus.
He added that for the particular crops to gain prominence, an enabling environment is critical where they needed the government’s buy-in so as to infuse into its policies, the adoption, production and consumption of biofortified crops.
Speaking to newsmen on the rationale for reviewing the policy, Dr Zainab Muhammad-Idris, the facilitator, said it was to align the policy with current nutrition priorities and evidence-based practices.
She explained that the policy, which was produced in 2017 and expected to last to 2025, was deemed necessary to begin its review process so as to capture new issues and the relevance of what was previously captured in the document.
Muhammad-Idris, who doubles as the Project Coordinator of Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project, added that it was to strengthen policy provisions to address malnutrition in all its forms.
“It also enhances coordination and collaboration among stakeholders; improves policy implementation and monitoring and increases investment in nutrition-sensitive interventions,”she said.
She said the expected outcomes from the review would include an updated policy that reflects current nutrition priorities and evidence; improved policy coherence and coordination across sectors and enhanced stakeholder engagement and commitment.
The facilitator equally said it would strengthen capacity for policy implementation/ monitoring and improve nutrition outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.
“The review is expected to result in a robust and effective policy that addresses the nutrition needs of the population, particularly vulnerable groups, and contributes to the achievement of national and global nutrition goals,”she said
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that present at the review were representatives from various MDAs and development partners in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 14, 2024