From Premium Times Nigeria · Ekemini Simon · · 2m
Children Stunted in Akwa Ibom
One in four children under five in Akwa Ibom state are stunted, survey shows.
In brief
One in four children under five in Akwa Ibom state are stunted, survey shows. A national survey found 24.1% of children under five in Akwa Ibom are stunted, prompting state nutrition committees across 31 local government areas. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Survey reveals stunting crisis
A national survey found 24.1 per cent of children under five in Akwa Ibom are stunted.
State response to malnutrition
The state is establishing nutrition committees across all 31 local government areas to tackle chronic malnutrition.
National stunting rate
Nationally, 40 per cent of children under five are stunted, according to the survey.
Stunting definition
Stunting occurs when children are too short for their age due to chronic undernutrition.
Health impacts of stunting
It can impair physical growth and brain development, undermine learning and affect productivity in adulthood.
Committee inauguration
The committees were highlighted during the inauguration in Uyo on Tuesday.
UNICEF specialist comment
UNICEF’s nutrition specialist Oluniyi Oyedokun said the state’s stunting burden requires coordinated action.
Critical period for growth
Stunting is linked to inadequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
Long-term consequences
Prolonged nutritional deprivation can have lasting consequences for children’s health and development.
Risks for stunted children
Stunted children face increased risk of impaired cognitive development, poor school performance, frequent illnesses and reduced productivity.
Committee purpose
The committees aim to bring interventions closer to communities and strengthen implementation of the National Policy on Food and Nutrition.
Cross-sector collaboration
He called for collaboration among health, agriculture, education, water and sanitation sectors to tackle malnutrition.
State government commitment
The Akwa Ibom State Government said the committees would coordinate, monitor and implement nutrition interventions.
Alignment with state agenda
The committees align with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda prioritising human capital development and a healthy population.
Expected outcomes
The committees are expected to improve coordination among agencies in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition at the grassroots.
What it means
A national survey found 24.1% of children under five in Akwa Ibom are stunted, prompting state nutrition committees across 31 local government areas.
