The Media Centre Against Child
Malnutrition (MeCAM Nigeria) has expressed concerns over the seemingly wanton killings on-going in some parts of the country, mostly by suspected terrorist-herdsmen
and urged the Federal Government (FG) to put a stop to it, because its effect
compounds children nutrition status, reports ITRealms
.
A press statement
endorsed by the Director, Outreach for MeCAM, Mrs. Julie Ekong, in
commemoration of the 2018 Children’s Day, MeCAM chairman, Mr. Remmy Nweke noted
that the destruction of farmlands and killings by the
terrorists-herdsmen have reduced the number of farmers; while some have been
killed, others have fled their farmlands.
The deaths have also left many children motherless,
aggravating the already low percentage of exclusive breast fed children in
Nigeria, which according to UNICEF stood at 15 per cent.
Conflicts and resulting mass displacement, he said, often
results in increased prevalence of acute malnutrition and mortality.
MeCAM, therefore calls on Federal Government to pay more
attention to children in Internally Displaced camps with a view to reducing
malnutrition and stunted growth through vitamin A supplementation.
Although MeCAM noted that Nigeria has made progress in
micronutrient deficiency, UNICEF says half of the children aged 6-59 months do
not receive Vitamin A supplementation. Whereas, some 11 million under age
children are said to be stunted especially in the North East and North West
part of the country, as well as the poorest sectors of the society.
MeCAM believes that this year’s theme ”Creating safe spaces
for children: Our collective responsibility,” is apt because intervention by
relevant authorities will lead to the protection of children and their mothers
which will translate to less crises and interruption in the lives of the
children that will aggravate malnutrition and stunted growth of children in the
country.
Children, MeCAM insisted have a right to life and food.
ITRealms recalls that Media
Centre Against Child Malnutrition
(MeCAM) Nigeria was founded Thursday, August 28, 2015, as a media advocacy
group against child malnutrition and well-being, as well as to strengthen the
agro-nutrition capacity and interest of its members professionally in
contribution to nation-building, especially in Nigeria and across the continent
of Africa among developing countries of the world.
MeCAM is committed to showcasing
successful and development efforts in the area of agro-nutrition for the
benefit of mankind and for Africa emancipation from extreme hunger especially
in children, women and society, centred on Goal 2 of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
Uj. N. Dominic/GEE
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