Policies on Food and Nutrition: CS-SUNN Urges Bayelsa Government to Take Proactive Steps for Implementation
The Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria, CS-SUNN urges the Bayelsa State government to take proactive steps for the implementation of policies on food and nutrition in order to reduce malnutrition particularly among children.
CS-SUNN Former Steering Committee Chairman, Mr Ifedilichukwu Innocent stated this when he led members of the CS-SUNN, Bayelsa State chapter on a courtesy call to the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr George Ekpotuatein Flint at his office in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Mr Innocent explained that Bayelsa State has a very poor indices on food and nutrition in the country hence the need to implement policies and provide accessible funds to improve food security in the state.
He pointed out that there the situation can be improved through the provision of an enabling environment for lactating mothers by extending maternity leave from three to six months, two weeks paternity leave for men and provision of creches in offices to support exclusive breastfeeding.
While speaking on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, he noted that children will be stronger and healthier, helping them to be better in their academics adding that breastfeeding reduces cost of buying milk products on families.
He called on the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning to galvanize other ministries and stakeholders to create food and nutrition committed in the state.
Responding, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr George Flint gave assurance that the ministry is working in collaboration with other stakeholders for the implementation of the policies to improve food and nutrition indices in Bayelsa State.
Mr Flint also noted that the state government has expressed commitment to ensuring that budgetary allocation for food and nutrition is made available as they are also working tirelessly to implement the policies on the extension of maternity leave.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Felix Asingbi who expressed concerns at the poor indices noted that the multi sectoral plan of action for food and nutrition would soon be implemented while also assuring that the state government is committed towards achieving food security in the state.
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