Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo of Bayelsa State has expressed deep concern over the escalating mortality rates within the region, attributing a significant portion of these deaths to illnesses stemming from inadequate nutrition
Ewhrudjakpo emphasized the urgent need for decisive action to combat this growing public health crisis.
He issued a call to action to the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), urging them to intensify their public awareness campaigns. This directive was given during a courtesy visit by an NSN delegation, led by State Chairman Ebi Wilson, to the Government House in Yenagoa Bayelsa.
Ewhrudjakpo highlighted the crucial role of local government councils and other relevant stakeholders in promoting nutritional awareness.
He asserted that a considerable number of deaths and health issues are not primarily due to poverty, but rather a lack of knowledge regarding proper dietary practices.
He lamented the high prevalence of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, directly linking them to the state’s low nutritional awareness. To address this, he pledged support for a month-long radio program dedicated to nutrition education, to be facilitated by the NSN.
Recognizing the magnitude of the task at hand, Ewhrudjakpo stressed the shared responsibility between the government and nutrition professionals. He firmly believed that enhanced professional involvement would significantly improve public knowledge, thereby reducing the incidence of nutritionally induced diseases.
In a move to bolster the state’s nutritional infrastructure, the Deputy Governor committed to sponsoring the aforementioned radio program. He also directed the NSN to collaborate with the state Ministry of Health to ensure the deployment of qualified nutrition officers to all local government areas.
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Ewhrudjakpo emphasized the importance of specialized nutritional expertise, noting that while general health workers possess some knowledge, the advanced proficiency of trained nutrition officers is essential. Furthermore, he outlined that nutritional intervention should precede other health efforts, asserting that even effective immunizations are compromised without adequate nutrition.
Responding to the Deputy Governor’s concerns, NSN State Chairman Ebi Wilson explained that the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the society and the Bayelsa State Government. He highlighted the recent partnership agreement with UNICEF, underscoring their commitment to improving nutritional access for all Bayelsa residents.
Wilson also emphasized the necessity of implementing the Bayelsa State Policy on Food and Nutrition and establishing mechanisms to improve the state’s nutrition indicators. He further requested the release of counterpart funds for UNICEF’s nutrition intervention, noting the importance of community engagement and prioritizing nutrition within health and education sectors.
