FG partners Nestle to tackle iron deficiency in women, children

Nestle Nigeria, in collaboration with the federal government, has launched a campaign to address iron deficiency in Nigerians, especially women and children.

The campaign, ‘Live Strong with Iron’ (LSWI), was launched in Abuja on Wednesday to mark the World Health Day 2021.

The partnership involves the ministry of health, ministry of women affairs, ministry of agriculture, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), office of the first lady, among others.

Speaking on the campaign, Wassim Elhusseini, managing director of Nestle Nigeria, said the campaign is focused on improving the health of Nigerians.

“The campaign aims to support governments’ efforts to address iron deficiency in view of the high incidence in our environment,” Elhusseini said.

“We are, therefore, excited to work alongside all the stakeholders (MDAs) convened here today, to call attention to the rich resource of iron dense locally available foods that each family can access to improve the current statistics on iron deficiency.”

In her remarks, Anthonia Ekpa, permanent secretary at the ministry of women affairs, promised the support of the federal government towards the project.

“The federal ministry of women affairs will support this public health awareness campaign, as it has valuable content that will positively impact on the health of a huge percentage of Nigerians,” Ekpa said.

“We are committed to collaborating with stakeholders for the overall development of women and children in Nigeria.”

Also present at the event was Benjamin Kalu, spokesman for the house of representatives.

In his address, Kalu, who also pledged the support of government, commended Nestle for the initiative, and urged the ministry of information and National Orientation Agency (NOA) “to join their voices through advocacy”.

Through the campaign, Nestle and the MDAs will support community advocacy programmes, as well as broadcast and social media campaigns, to drive change in nutrition behaviour, choice and consumption in order to meet daily iron requirements.