At least, 17 million Nigerian children are said to be malnourished, making Nigeria the country with the highest burden of malnutrition in Africa and the second highest globally.
This is according to data by the Federal Government and the global nutrition organisation, Nutrition International (NI), stated during a meeting to disseminate the findings of the home fortification implementation research using Small Quantity Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements (SQLNS).
The Federal Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, said malnutrition has remained a significant public health problem despite huge investments.
The Minister, represented by the director Health and Nutrition, Ministry of Health, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, said the major underlying causes of malnutrition in Nigeria include poor infant and young child feeding practices, poor access to and consumption of safe nutritious diet rich in both macro and micronutrients, inadequate access to healthcare, water, and sanitation, and a high level of poverty, among others.
He added that the Federal Government of Nigeria has made concerted effort in collaboration with development partners to reduce the burden of malnutrition in the country.