Journalists advise Kaduna on sustained enlightenment to tackle malnutrition

Journalists Against Malnutrition has urged Kaduna State Government to publicise the policy document on Food and Nutrition, to enhance engagement with the public on ways to tackle severe acute malnutrition in the state.
The appeal is contained in a communiqué issued on Monday after a two-day workshop organized by the Kaduna State Emergency Nutrition Action Plan for journalists.
The workshop, held in Zaria, Kaduna State was to sustain the fight against malnutrition in the state.
The communiqué signed by Joseph Edegbo said that the participants believed that publicising the policy would help in educating citizens on ways to tackle the growing cases of malnutrition among children, pregnant women and the elderly.
The journalists resolved to encourage Nigerians to adopt best sanitation and hygiene habits, to reduce illnesses.
The participants advised government to promote indigenous foods that promote good nutrition and help sustain healthy living at affordable rate.
They also resolved to work with traditional and religious leaders in raising awareness on Malnutrition.
The ommunique said: “Participants resolved that Exclusive Breastfeeding remains the best for infants of 0-2 years, as such organizations in both the public and private sectors be encouraged to provide crèches for working nursing mothers in their places of work.
“We want the media to develop passion and set agenda for government to take the required action that would address the scourge,>
“The participants agreed on the formation of a group known as Journalists Against Malnutrition to support government in the fight against malnutrition.”
According to the document, participants at the workshop resolved to develop appropriate communication strategies to change dietary behaviours and habits of the people.
It said that citizens would be encouraged to establish gardens in their homes and schools in order to have access to fresh and natural foods at no cost to families.
NAN reports that, the workshop brought together Journalists, Researchers, academics, nutritionists and development partners.
KADENAP was established in January 2017 by the Kaduna state government to fight severe acute malnutrition in three phases.
It added: “The first phase is to urgently treat severely malnourished children under the age of five who are dying and then those above that age as well as their mothers who also suffer from malnutrition are on phases two.
“While the third phase is to bring about attitudinal change to the daily living practices of the people to achieve positive result and ensure sustainability.”