The Federal Government has warned that Nigeria is grappling with a largely preventable nutrition crisis, with about 58 per cent of women of reproductive age living with anaemia.
Mrs Helen Achimugu, Assistant Director in the Nutrition Department of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja.
She spoke at a capacity-building workshop organized by the Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) for journalists on anaemia prevention, themed “Media as Catalysts for an Anaemia-Free Nigeria.”
Citing the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), Achimugu said more than half of Nigerian women were affected by a condition that is both preventable and treatable.
She noted that the burden also extends to children, adding that Nigeria currently ranks first in Africa and second globally in the number of stunted children.
“We have about 35 million stunted children, 14 million wasted children and 24 million children living with anaemia.
“This is not just a health issue; it is a development emergency,” she said.
Achimugu explained that micronutrient deficiencies—commonly referred to as “hidden hunger”—were widespread among children under five and women of reproductive age.
“They are called hidden hunger because the signs are not always visible, but the impact on health, learning and productivity is profound,” she said.
She attributed the situation to poor dietary diversity, food insecurity and socio-economic factors, with higher prevalence recorded in northern parts of the country.
Achimugu identified iron, iodine, zinc, folate and vitamin A as essential micronutrients required for growth, immunity and overall body function.
“When these nutrients are lacking or taken in excess, the body cannot function properly,” she said.
She added that malnutrition contributes significantly to stunting, wasting, underweight and impaired cognitive development.
“In developing countries, malnutrition contributes to about 60 per cent of cases of pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria and measles,” she said.
Achimugu described anaemia as a condition marked by low haemoglobin levels, often caused by iron deficiency, with serious consequences for maternal and child health.
“It increases the risk of maternal death, low birth weight and poor child growth,” she said.
She noted that the Federal Government had introduced interventions to reduce the burden of anaemia, including food fortification, supplementation and dietary diversification.
According to her, Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women form a key part of the strategy.
“MMS contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals and should be taken daily by pregnant women,” she said.
She added that MMS had been included in Nigeria’s Essential Medicines List and was provided free of charge at public health facilities.
“One bottle lasts about six months and significantly reduces the risk of anaemia during and after pregnancy,” she said.
Achimugu stressed the critical role of the media in driving public awareness and advocacy.
“If the media is not there, we cannot take this message to every household,” she said.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of CS-SUNN, Mr Sunday Okoronkwo, described anaemia as a persistent but preventable public health challenge.
“The most affected are women and children, and they depend on the media to speak up for them,” he said.
Okoronkwo urged journalists to tell human-centred stories capable of driving policy action and behavioral change.
“Prevention through adequate nutrition is far more cost-effective than emergency interventions,” he said.
It was reported that 30 journalists from Nasarawa, Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger, Bauchi and the Federal Capital Territory are participating in the training.
