Nafisa Murtala Ahmed
The Kano State government has partnered with TechnoServe TNS and the World Food Programme WFP to launch the Promoting Rice Fortification in Nigeria (PRiFN)
The project aims to tackle malnutrition in Kano State.
The 2-day Rice Fortification inaugural meeting seek to renewed commitments from all participants to prioritize rice fortification as a key to reducing malnutrition in kano State.
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In his remarks, acting permanent secretary Kano state ministry of budget and planning MpoB Alhaji Ladan Ajumawa reiterated the state governments commitment in partnering with relevant stakeholders in providing nutrition intervention.
He urged relevant stakeholders to contribute their quota to the governments objective of coordinating nutrition intervention, and ensuring continuation and sustainability for the gains of the interventions.
Also speaking, representative of TechnoServe (TNS) Ahmad Seun Elere explained that, the project is supporting the production of rice fortified with iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B1, B3, and B6 and promote the consumption of same by all especially those most susceptible to malnutrition through the school feeding and other social intervention programmes in the State.
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He maintained that, the PRiFN project is also supporting the realization of the Federal government of Nigeria’s ambitions on Rice Fortification as a national micronutrient deficiency control strategy to curb the increasing prevalence of micronutrient deficiency in Nigeria.
Paradigm News reports that, the Kano State Ministry of Planning and Budget will chair the constituted Technical Working Group (TWG) for the PRiFN Project.
The TWG was inaugurated with a clear and understandable ToR on the PRiFN project and its activities.
However, the State’s Nutrition Status highlighted the significant increase of the National average of malnutrition problems.
Relevant stakeholders in the state including the Kano state Ministry Agriculture MoA pledged to strengthen the agricultural value chain, promote rice fortification in Kano State and ensure mutual collaboration with sister agency (KNARDA).
While the Kano state ministry of education pledged to ensure all feeding programs is done with fortified rice.
Media representatives reiterated commitment by allocating free airtime to discuss issues around rice fortification by creating awareness among the public in kano state