Nestlé Nigeria introduces “Live Strong With Iron’’ campaign

By Abiodun Azi

As part of its efforts to address the iron deficiency challenge in Nigeria, Nestlé Nigeria on Wednesday launched the “Live Strong with Iron” (LSWI) campaign.

The launch of the campaign was also part of Nestlé Nigeria’s activities to mark World Health Day 2021, which is commemorated on April 7 each year.

A Nestlé statement on Wednesday said iron deficiency was high in the country and the consequences could be severe.

He quoted Wassim Elhusseini, CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, who spoke about the Live Strong With Iron campaign, as saying: “The campaign aims to support the efforts of governments to tackle iron deficiency given the high incidence in our environment. .

“It is important to note that Nestlé has supported food fortification as a strategy to reduce micronutrient deficiency in the sub-region.

“Another strategy adopted by Nestlé to enable people to live healthier lives is to provide adequate information for more informed nutritional choices.

“We are therefore delighted to be working alongside all the stakeholders gathered here today, to draw attention to the rich resource of locally available iron-rich foods that every family can access to improve current statistics on iron deficiency, ”he said.

Ms Victoria Uwadoka, Head of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Nestlé Nigeria, said the Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2018 showed Nigeria to have an alarming prevalence of iron deficiency.

“The NDHS 2018 stated that 68% of children aged 6-59 months and 58% of women of reproductive age in Nigeria are anemic, with at least a third of the anemia attributable to iron deficiency.

“Given the high incidence of iron deficiency and its dire consequences, this remains a priority area of ​​concern for Nigeria.

“This is why Nestlé has joined forces with other stakeholders, including the Office of the First Lady, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Society of Nigeria’s Nutrition to Combat the Threat of Iron Deficiency ”.

The statement said that the Minister of Women’s Affairs, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Anthonia Ekpa, spoke at the event.

“Globally, children and women are at higher risk for iron deficiency and anemia.

“Eating foods rich in iron, locally available and affordable, remains an effective way to meet this challenge.

“The Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs will support this public health awareness campaign because it has valuable content that will have a positive impact on the health of a huge percentage of Nigerians.

“We are committed to working with stakeholders for the comprehensive development of women and children in Nigeria,” the minister said quoting the statement.

The Nigerian News Agency reports that the launch of the “Live Strong with Iron” campaign took place on location and virtually.

The campaign supports efforts to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good health and well-being, aimed at improving the health of millions of Nigerians.

Through the campaign, employees will support community advocacy programs, dissemination campaigns and social media campaigns to drive change in nutritional behavior, choice and consumption to meet daily iron needs.

The statement noted that the public launch of the Live Strong with Iron campaign was attended by government officials, health experts, nutritionists, professional organizations and the media.

They came together to align with the roles each side would play in efforts to reduce iron deficiency.

A key commitment of all stakeholders and event participants was not only to consume, but also to promote the consumption of iron-rich and iron-fortified foods available locally in Nigeria. (NOPE)

(NAN)

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