From Femi Mustapha, Kaduna

The Kaduna State government and delegations from Save the Children International  (SCI) Norway have called for increased investments to curb cases of malnutrition in Nigeria.

Speaking  during a one-day quarterly Coordination and  Review meeting of the  State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN) held in Kaduna, the Permanent Secretary of Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission (PBC,) Bashir Mohammed Said there was need for more investment in nutrition, adding that the alarming rate of malnutrition poses a barrier to unlocking the nation’s human capital potential.

Mr. Bashir Mohamed who doubles as the Chairman of the SCFN emphasized the need for increased domestic funding strategic resource mobilisation approaches and sustained investments.

He explained that it is essential to put more investments in the prevention and treatment of disease outbreaks, as well as improving the food system.

This, he stressed, needs the collaboration of both local and foreign investors which is why his joy knew no bounds when he received the team from Norway who are also on track with investing in nutrition sectors.

Speaking on the SCFN, the Permanent Secretary said it is a platform for partners and MDAs to implement the Kaduna  State Food and Nutrition and Multi-Sectoral Strategic Plan of Action on Nutrition (KDMSPAN),

According to him, the policy which is from 2020-2024 outlined the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders in its implementation.

He added that KDMSPAN reflects the multi-sectoral dimension of nutrition and the multi-sectoral approach designed to address the scourge.

Speaking earlier, the Team Leader of the SCI Norway delegation, Henrik Mathias Hvaal, said as a team, they work on the implementation of the BMS CODE to protect and promote it.

According to him, “Save the Children has been working on this for many years, and for the last few years, we have worked together from Norway to try to influence companies from within.

“We try to get as many investors as possible to talk to the companies and make them change their policies.

I think in the long term, it’s going to be an addition to the other works that have been going on through governments and civil societies.

“I want to thank you for your support and cooperation and for giving me and My partner Elin Espmark Wibe who Media Campaign Advisor the opportunity to be on  this platform.” He said. 

In her remark, the Director of Development Aid Coordination, Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, Aisha Mohammed,  said KDMSPAN sets out realistic and achievable goals and objectives which will be the driving force behind all the actions and activities of nutrition intervention in the state.

“The overall goal of the plan is to improve the nutritional status of people in the state, particularly children below the age of 23 months, lactating mothers, pregnant women, and adolescents,” she said.