Every other child stunted, says study

New evidence suggests every one in two children under the age of five living in northern Nigeria is stunted—or too short for their age, say researchers. Researchers with two groups—Nutrition Research in Northern Nigeria (ORIE) and Working to Improve Nutrition in Northern Nigeria (WINNN)—said the study in four states of Jigawa, Zamfara, Kebbi and Katsina […]

New evidence suggests every one in two children under the age of five living in northern Nigeria is stunted—or too short for their age, say researchers.

Researchers with two groups—Nutrition Research in Northern Nigeria (ORIE) and Working to Improve Nutrition in Northern Nigeria (WINNN)—said the study in four states of Jigawa, Zamfara, Kebbi and Katsina expressed concern that stunting wasn’t just about height but was related to poor physical and mental development.

“Government should recognize the importance of nutrition as a developmental issue,” said Dr Ibrahim Oloriegbe, national programme manager for WINNN.

“Under nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life affects the children permanently and limits their productivity as adults.”
Team leader for ORIE, Dr Vincent Ahonsi, said, “Investing in nutrition now can save money that may otherwise be spent on health care later in life, and can add substantial value to the economy through greater productivity.”

Researchers called for increased funding of nutrition-specific interventions to feed infants and young children, treat severe acute malnutrition and fortify foods with micronutrient

Budget lines for nutrition in state or national spending were nonexistent or inadequate, they said, as were commitment to programmes in washing, sanitation and hygiene which could help reduce the number of children contracting diarrhoea.

In general, the study, funded by the UK Department for International Development as part of a five-year nutrition programme, found “inadequate awareness among families and communities on how best to feed infants and children,” said Ahonsi.

It also found poor health seeking behaviour, suggesting women had difficulties accessing immunisation or antenatal care because of long distances they have to travel to a nearby hospital, leaving them prone to give birth without being seen by a skilled birth attendant.

“It is also important to get men and key members of the community more interested in health and nutrition for their wives and children,” said Ahonsi.