Taraba Gov Flags Off Campaign Against Malnutrition
By Henry Agbu
The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas has flagged off a campaign to tackle direct and indirect causes of malnutrition in the state.
The ceremony took place on Monday at the Exco Chamber, TY Danjuma House Jalingo.
Speaking at the flag off, the Governor stressed that his action is based on his administration’s resolve to protect, support, and provide for the people.
He announced the activation of the committee on nutrition to be headed by the Taraba State Commissioner of Health and that experts be included in the committee.
Governor Agbu Kefas charged the committee to come up with a budget proposal to address the challenge, reiterating his administration’s resolve to pursue policies that are people friendly.
The Governor noted that all suggestions on the way forward brought forward by the experts during the meeting will be implemented.
In his remarks at an interactive session, the Taraba State Commissioner of Health, Dr Bodiya Buma identified causes of malnutrition to include poverty and food insecurity among others, saying the State is partnering with several organizations to tackle malnutrition in the state.
In her presentation on Multisectoral Approach to Management of Malnutrition in Taraba State, the Head of Department, Nutrition and Dietetics, Taraba state Specialist Hospital Jalingo, Grace Stephen, said the northeast and north-west geopolitical zones have recorded the highest rate of malnutrition.
She said the report ranked Taraba state as the third highest state in the northeast with forty five point five stunted children.
Grace Stephen, identified inadequate dietary intake, lack of access to nutritious food, poor feeding practices, poverty and food insecurity as some of the direct and indirect causes of malnutrition in the state.
She noted that the prevalence of malnutrition has led to increased under five mortality, stunted growth, poor cognitive development, delayed development milestones, and increased risk of infection among children.
The expert said in order to address the situation and save the lives of malnourished children, recommendations such as supply of medications and therapeutic food and supplement, capacity building and recruitment among other recommendations must be taken seriously.
The interactive session was attended by senior government officials.
