Oluyemisi Akinsola, a nutrition expert at Utah State University, has urged the Nigerian government to include age-appropriate nutrition education in school curricula to combat rising malnutrition and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). She emphasized the need to address poor dietary habits and misinformation, especially among young people.
The Need for Nutrition Education: Akinsola stressed that nutrition education must be prioritized in Nigeria. Schools should integrate topics on food and health to help students make informed dietary choices. She believes this will combat diet fads based on misinformation, which are popular on social media.
Combating Misinformation: Akinsola noted that many Nigerians are misled by unqualified health sources, leading to poor health outcomes. She called for public health campaigns on radio, TV, and social media to deliver evidence-based, culturally relevant information in local languages. NAFDAC and the Federal Ministry of Health should regulate false health claims, especially online.
Economic Challenges and Food Prices: Akinsola also highlighted Nigeria’s rising food prices, which are worsening nutrition issues. Data from December 2024 showed a 91.6% increase in food costs. This makes nutritious foods unaffordable for many, pushing them toward cheaper, unhealthy options.
Rising Cases of Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases: The increase in overweight and obesity, especially in urban areas, is alarming. According to the World Health Organization, NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease account for nearly 28% of all deaths in Nigeria. This further underscores the need for nutrition education.
The Role of Dietitians and Nutritionists: Akinsola called for more trained dietitians in Nigeria’s local government areas to provide evidence-based advice. This would help ensure communities have access to reliable nutrition information.
Public Health Campaigns and Community Involvement: Akinsola urged media outlets, government agencies, and individuals to promote factual nutrition information. Nigerians should be critical of diet trends and seek advice from registered dietitians or nutritionists.
Addressing Severe Malnutrition in Children: UNICEF has also raised concerns about severe malnutrition in Nigerian children. With 1.3 million children under five at risk, UNICEF stressed the need for preventive measures like breastfeeding and micronutrient supplementation.
A unified effort from the government, schools, healthcare providers, and the public is crucial in prioritizing nutrition education and improving overall health in Nigeria.
