By Chioma Obinna

With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria is the most populous country on the African continent and faces several socio-economic problems ranging from poverty, hunger, unemployment, and the burden of diseases that have taken a significant toll on the national productivity.

In recent years, malnutrition trends in Nigeria revealed a worrying lack of progress. Findings showed severe nutritional gaps occurring during the first 1000-day window of a child’s life and continuing through to early childhood.

Sadly, with widespread undernutrition, overweight, and obesity on the rise, especially among adults in urban areas, consumption of nutritious foods has declined, according to the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in Nigeria report.

Currently, Nigeria ranks first among countries with the highest number of malnourished children and 2nd globally. Every year, a total of 2.5 million Nigerian children under age 5 are struck with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), according to data from the United Nations Children’s Fund. Unfortunately, only 2 out of 10 children affected by malnutrition are reached with treatment.

In Nigeria, findings have shown that 5 of the top 10 risk factors that drive disability and death are related to diets. They traced these gaps in diet quality stemming from insufficient dietary intake, micronutrient deficiencies, and overconsumption points to critical flaws within the national food system, hence the need for an innovative approach to address the disturbing situation.

Whether in adult or childhood, malnutrition has many adverse consequences for child survival and long-term well-being. It also has far-reaching consequences for human capital, economic productivity, and national development overall.

As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’, Nestlé has launched its latest addition to its nutrition portfolio, NIDO milk and Soya Instant Powder Mix.

The innovative product combines the double goodness of milk and soya, fortified with iron to provide consumers with an affordable, delicious and nutritious creamy milk and plant-based complement for beverages and cereals.

However, Nestle for over 62 years has been part of the daily nutrition of millions of households in Nigeria, by consistently using its research and development capabilities to unlock the power of food to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and families. Its product, Golden Morn is a household name in Nigeria.
Speaking during the latest addition to strengthened Nigeria’s nutritional needs, the Category & Marketing Manager of dairy, Ifeanyi Orabuche, said: “NIDO Milk & Soya is our first affordable fortified dairy and plant blend in the Nigerian market. This unique blend of filled milk and soya is a source of Iron and has other essential nutrients including Protein, Calcium, Vitamin C, and dietary fibre which supports digestion. NIDO Milk & Soya joins our portfolio of fortified products to help address the high rate of micronutrient deficiency, especially of Iron in the country.”

According to the Journal of Public Health in Africa, the prevalence of anemia among school-age children in Nigeria is 71 per cent and among women, 47.3 per cent

NIDO milk & Soya Instant Powder Mix was developed by local experts in Nestlé’s Research and Development, R&D Centre in Abidjan and is produced locally in Nigeria using 100 per cent locally sourced soyabeans. It is a result of Nestlé’s progress in product innovation and renovation to meet the growing consumer demand for affordable nutrition options that also create societal value.

Speaking, the Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability lead at Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, explained that: “At Nestlé, our decisions are guided by our purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance the quality of life for everyone today and for future generations.

With this new product, we are helping to sustain a steady source of revenue to improve the livelihoods of the local farmers who supply the soyabeans used in the production of NIDO Milk & Soya.

“This launch is part of Nestlé Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to offering affordable, wholesome and nutritious options for consumers across the country while providing long-term benefits that are good for individuals and families, good for communities and good for the planet.”

Vanguard News