By Muniratu Akweley Issah, GNA
Cotonou, October 02, GNA – A 2024 UNICEF report states that around 181 million children under five worldwide are living in extreme child food poverty, with diets that do not meet their physical and mental development needs.
As per the report, Sub-Saharan Africa represented about 57 million of these children, with diets frequently restricted to only two food groups, resulting in a lack of vital nutrients necessary for proper development.
Possible reasons for the situation could involve inequality, disputes, and environmental challenges, with children impacted experiencing increased chances of wasting and stunted growth.
In response to the issue, UNICEF, along with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Benin government, has initiated the First Foods Africa Initiative, a continent-wide program designed to tackle child food poverty and malnutrition by enhancing nutrition-focused food systems in Cotonou, Benin.
The program aims to ensure that children throughout Africa receive safe, cost-effective, and healthy nutrition during their first years of life.
It united policymakers, development collaborators, civil society, and private sector delegates to ensure that children throughout Africa receive safe, cost-effective, and nourishing meals during their initial years.
Professor Julio Rakotonirina, head of Health and Humanitarian Affairs at the AUC, referred to the launch as a crucial move in the effort to eliminate child malnutrition and establish strong food systems throughout the continent.
He emphasized that nutrition is a fundamental right for every child, regardless of location or financial background, stating, “With the introduction of First Foods Africa, we confirm that proper nutrition is a right. Starvation can be avoided. The African Union Commission is collaborating with UNICEF, member countries, regional organizations, and the private sector to expand this effort.”
Although the rate of stunting in Africa has dropped from 41.5% in 2000 to 32.3% in 2020, the increase in population has caused the total number of stunted children to rise to 62.3 million.
Furthermore, 11.4 million children experience wasting. Many nations in Africa are still not on course to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal nutrition objectives.
First Foods Africa is founded on three key strategic areas: encouraging the local creation of safe and cost-effective first foods for kids below five years old; enhancing policy frameworks that facilitate access to these products; and encouraging usage via social marketing, behavior modification, and community involvement.
The program will first be implemented in 14 key countries spanning West, Central, East, and Southern Africa. Its effectiveness will rely on robust collaborations with African governments, local food producers, and global entities including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Bank.
UNICEF is also creating a Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) to gather funds, provide technical assistance, and promote private sector involvement.
Mr. Omar Abdi, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, and Mr. Abdoulaye Bio Tchane, Benin's Minister of State responsible for Government Action Coordination, emphasized their nation's dedication to promoting child nutrition, calling it essential for creating a strong and resilient continent.
Members of civil society groups and private sector executives who attended the launch also committed their backing to transforming food systems to better address children's requirements.
The program, if executed effectively, would greatly decrease child hunger and malnutrition, providing millions of children with better nutrition and enhanced opportunities for survival and development.
UNICEF and the African Union stated that the long-term objective is to guarantee that no child is overlooked, as the future of Africa depends on the well-being and capabilities of its youngest people.
GNA
Christian Akorlie
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