The Lagos State Government has re-approved a ₦100 million fund to combat child malnutrition, an investment that extends beyond public health, acting as a crucial anchor for the state's transition toward a more circular food economy, reports ITREALMS.
This financial commitment, ITREALMS gathered, followed intense advocacy from organizations like the Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), according to the Executive Secretary, Mr. Sunday Okoronkwo.
He applauded the development, stating that the fund will be used as a matching grant to procure vital nutritional items for children, including Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS).
Mr. Okoronkwo also cited data from the 2022-2024 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) that showed a significant increase in both wasting and underweight rates in Lagos.
Industry experts further see this as a foundational step toward strengthening a sustainable food system, with some pointing out that a healthy, well-nourished population is a prerequisite for a productive workforce, which is essential for developing a robust circular economy.
They equally said that by tackling malnutrition at the grassroots, Lagos is building the human capital necessary to support sustainable agriculture, reduce food waste, and create efficient food distribution loops.
ITREALMS recalled that the fund's focus on essential nutrients also highlights the broader need for a resilient supply chain that minimizes waste and ensures that every part of the food system is utilized efficiently.
While the new fund's direct impact is on child health, its long-term benefits, industry observers said, include bolstering the state's economic resilience as a more food-secure and healthy population is better equipped to drive innovation and participate in key sectors.
Chuks Egbune/DoP
He applauded the development, stating that the fund will be used as a matching grant to procure vital nutritional items for children, including Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS).
Mr. Okoronkwo also cited data from the 2022-2024 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) that showed a significant increase in both wasting and underweight rates in Lagos.
Industry experts further see this as a foundational step toward strengthening a sustainable food system, with some pointing out that a healthy, well-nourished population is a prerequisite for a productive workforce, which is essential for developing a robust circular economy.
They equally said that by tackling malnutrition at the grassroots, Lagos is building the human capital necessary to support sustainable agriculture, reduce food waste, and create efficient food distribution loops.
ITREALMS recalled that the fund's focus on essential nutrients also highlights the broader need for a resilient supply chain that minimizes waste and ensures that every part of the food system is utilized efficiently.
While the new fund's direct impact is on child health, its long-term benefits, industry observers said, include bolstering the state's economic resilience as a more food-secure and healthy population is better equipped to drive innovation and participate in key sectors.
Chuks Egbune/DoP
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