In a recent development, Nigeria has been ranked as the second most malnourished country worldwide, according to a survey conducted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Anne Patterson, the Director of USAID Mission, disclosed this information during the Trade Fair for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods and Other Life-Saving Nutrition Commodities in Abuja.
The survey, based on the most recent Food Consumption and Micronutrients Survey in 2021, highlighted a significant increase in severe acute malnutrition among Nigerian children – from seven percent to 12 percent over the past five years.
“This places Nigeria in the unfortunate position of being the second most affected by malnutrition on a global scale,” stated Patterson.
Merely 2.8 percent of these affected children received treatment using ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) in the past year, indicating an alarming gap in intervention. However, a silver lining emerges with local producers like Ariel Foods, Emzor Foods, DABS, and Nutri-K contributing to RUTF production.
Patterson emphasized that these companies demonstrate the potential for Nigeria to meet international production standards. “These firms have shown that Nigeria possesses the capability to manufacture these essential products at a global quality level,” she said.
“We recognize that combating malnutrition is pivotal for enhancing health, education, and economic advancement. The United States Government is enthusiastic about fostering partnerships with private sector entities addressing malnutrition,” Patterson added, citing a recent partnership with Emzor Food and Beverages for a medical-grade groundnut paste processing facility.
Patterson called upon state governments to ensure consistent access to RUTF and other vital nutrition resources for their citizens, underscoring the importance of these efforts.
Nebeolisa Anako, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Planning, stressed the significance of collaborative efforts to address the substantial burden of malnutrition.
Faniran Sanjo, representing the National Convenor of UN Food Systems Transformation Pathways for Nigeria, asserted, “We will identify priority actions for government at all levels to enhance RUTF production.”