The World Bank called on the Nigerian government to increase investment in nutrition programs, highlighting the potential for significant economic benefits.
According to the global financial institution, “Every dollar spent on nutrition can yield up to $23 in benefits, making it critical to address malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations.” This is becoming clearer.”
The appeal comes amid alarming rates of child stunting and maternal anemia in Nigeria, posing serious challenges to the country’s health and economic development.
The World Bank’s Nutrition Investment Framework highlights that globally: It’s about economic growth. ”
In Nigeria, where 11 million children suffer from stunting and more than 50% of pregnant women are anemic, these benefits could be even greater, with potential returns of up to $23 for every $1 invested. there is.
Nigeria’s stunting and anemia crisis
Child stunting and maternal anemia remain serious challenges in Nigeria. According to a report by UNICEF, more than 11 million children under the age of five in Nigeria are stunted, representing about 35% of the child population. Stunting affects cognitive development, physical growth, and future productivity.
Maternal anemia is an equally worrying problem, affecting more than 50% of pregnant women. This condition increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality, placing additional strain on Nigeria’s health system.
Scaling up nutrition
Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from global nutrition investments, especially under the new investment framework for nutrition in 2024. The framework estimates that sub-Saharan Africa, where Nigeria is an active player, will need an additional $13 billion a year worldwide to tackle undernourishment over the next decade. It plays a critical role, requiring $34 billion alone to reach nutrition goals.
For Nigeria, the World Bank emphasizes that the solution lies in scaling up affordable interventions, such as improving maternal and child health care, fortifying staple foods, and promoting breastfeeding. For Nigeria, these interventions cost about $17 per child and $13 per pregnant woman per year, a relatively small price to pay given the long-term gains in productivity and health.
Economic and social impact on Nigeria
Beyond health, investments in nutrition in Nigeria can have significant economic benefits. Improving childhood nutrition increases labor market productivity because less productive children become less productive adults. Reducing maternal anemia improves the health of mothers and infants, lowers health care costs, and strengthens families.
Every dollar invested in nutrition can generate a return of $23, contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic and social development goals. These investments will also support Nigeria’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2), which aims to eradicate hunger and improve food security and nutrition.
Financing and policy innovation
To fund these interventions, Nigeria will divert agricultural subsidies to healthier diets, increase taxes on unhealthy foods like sugary drinks, and increase climate funds to address food insecurity. We need to adopt innovative approaches, such as leveraging
Additionally, Nigeria can leverage social ties and private sector partnerships to support nutrition programs.
Tighter regulations on food fortification, improved health services, and public awareness campaigns promoting dietary diversity will further strengthen these efforts. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding and fortifying staple foods such as rice and maize that contain essential nutrients are critical to combating malnutrition.
What you need to know As the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit approaches, Nigeria has an opportunity to significantly strengthen its nutrition strategy. Scaling up efforts to address child stunting and maternal anemia will improve health outcomes, increase economic productivity, and reduce long-term costs. With support from the World Bank, Nigeria could significantly improve health outcomes, increase labor productivity, and contribute to broader economic development. Follow us for the latest news and market information.
