FG Launches National Guideline for Women & Girls’ Nutrition

Frank Ajufo

To strengthen the implementation of policies and interventions targeted at improving nutrition of women and girls in Nigeria, the Federal Government has launched the National Guidelines on Women’s and Girls’ Development for Optimal Nutrition.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, said the launch is a move that will give direction as well as harmonise efforts of various stakeholders, aimed at improving women and girls’ nutrition in Nigeria. Kennedy-Ohanye however, appealed to well-meaning organisations and individuals to support the ministry’s porgrammes targeted at improving the economic self-reliance of women and girls which will in turn build their capacity to provide quality nutrition for themselves and their children.

Also speaking, the Chair, Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria, CS-SUNN, Board of Trusties, Dr. Mbang Kooffreh-Ada, stated that the guideline was borne out of the need for a more structured way of implementing policies, promote cohesion and sustainability, and discourage stakeholders from acting in silos.

 Dr. Kooffreh-Ada, also expressed optimism that accountability will be engendered in the drive for empowerment of women and girls in the country. On his part, the Acting Country Director, FHi360, Dr. Victor Ogbodo, called for increased advocacy for behavioural change among Nigerians for better nutrition outcomes among women and girls.