Benue targets 86,000 children suffering malnutrition

At least 10 million sachets of micronutrient powder could reach some 86,000 children between this December and next May, said Dooshima Suswam, First Lady of Benue State, at the launch.Malnutrition is thought to be an underlying cause of nearly half the number of deaths among children aged less than five years, as well as severe […]

At least 10 million sachets of micronutrient powder could reach some 86,000 children between this December and next May, said Dooshima Suswam, First Lady of Benue State, at the launch.
Malnutrition is thought to be an underlying cause of nearly half the number of deaths among children aged less than five years, as well as severe acute malnutrition.
The micrionutrient powders, provided with support from Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), target anaemia caused by iron deficiency amongst others.
Each sachet of micronutrient powder (MNP), costing less than N8, contains 15 micronutrients required in children’s food—vitamins and minerals mixed into semi-solid foods that can be consumed as single meals.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs Suswam, said that while the lack of access to highly nutritious foods, poor feeding practice and children not receiving enough nutritious food, contribute to malnutrition, there was the need to address the malnutrition burden with MNPs.
“The overall strategy is to adopt a state-driven approach that is built upon existing routine and outreach health service delivery system with increased mobilization of communities during the specified months for maternal and child health weeks,” Suswam stated.
Benue State Health Commissioner Orduen Abunku, said, “We are providing micronutrient powder for fortification of food for children under five.  We appreciate GAIN for this partnership that we are certain  will  benefit  our  children,  the  future  of  Benue State.”