Stakeholders in maternal and child nutrition have urged the Lagos State government to prioritize funding for nutrition programs, emphasizing timely resource allocation for procuring Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS). This call was made during a policy dialogue organized by the Lagos State Committee on Food and Nutrition in partnership with Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).
The dialogue focused on the importance of MMS in preventing anaemia and addressing malnutrition among pregnant women. MMS, which contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and folate, has proven effective in reducing anaemia, boosting immune function, and improving birth outcomes. Stakeholders recommended using social media to educate mothers on the health benefits of these supplements.
To enhance program effectiveness, participants proposed forming a task force to monitor the distribution and impact of nutrition interventions. They stressed the need for fast-tracking the release of matching funds, including $100,000 approved for nutrition commodities, and increasing the availability of MMS, therapeutic foods, and micronutrient powders for children under five.
Data shared during the event revealed that 17.3% of children under five in Lagos are stunted, 6% are wasted, and 14.3% are underweight, with national stunting rates at 40%. These figures underline the urgency of addressing maternal and child malnutrition. Stakeholders also highlighted the potential of biofortified crops and targeted nutrition interventions to improve outcomes.
The dialogue called for increased government investment in maternal health and nutrition to reduce stunting and anaemia. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of counterpart funding for MMS, as donors are ready to provide additional financial support. They also encouraged media practitioners to amplify awareness campaigns, ensuring policymakers prioritize these critical health issues.
Furthermore, participants stressed the need for a task force to track and evaluate the coverage and impact of nutrition programs through a scorecard system. They urged the Lagos government to act swiftly, leveraging the Child Nutrition Funding opportunity to ensure vulnerable populations receive adequate support and resources for better health outcomes.
