The Federal Government has launched its “Nutrition 774 Initiative” in Plateau State as part of efforts to tackle the growing challenge of malnutrition in the region.
By Polycarp Auta
The Federal Government has launched its “Nutrition 774 Initiative” in Plateau State as part of efforts to tackle the growing challenge of malnutrition in the region.
The initiative was formally inaugurated on Tuesday in Jos, the state capital.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Uju Rochas-Anwukah, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Health, highlighted the programme’s local governance focus.
She said the initiative aims to empower communities to take action against malnutrition through strengthened structures at the grassroots level.
Rochas-Anwukah lamented the rising number of under-five deaths from acute malnutrition, describing it as a major yet silent public health crisis.
“We are here for one reason—to introduce the Nutrition 774 Initiative, which addresses a critical societal issue dear to Mr President,” she said.
She described malnutrition as Nigeria’s most silent killer, one that “doesn’t scream like gunfire or trend online, yet slowly destroys more dreams than conflict.”
According to her, one in three Nigerian children under five is either stunted or wasted, and nearly half of under-five deaths are linked to malnutrition.
“Even in Plateau, a land so richly blessed with food, we are losing children silently and needlessly,” she added.
She described the initiative as a government-led, community-driven, and result-focused response to malnutrition across the country.
The presidential aide called for urgent action to address what she termed a “hydra-headed monster” threatening child survival.
She urged local government chairmen, traditional and religious leaders, NGOs, and other stakeholders to actively support the programme.
“Malnutrition is a national emergency that hides in plain sight. It ignores religion, ethnicity, and tribe.
“It speaks the language of inequality and poverty. We must respond with urgency, unity, and clear strategy,” she said.
Rochas-Anwukah also urged the Plateau government to ensure timely and consistent release of funds to support the initiative.
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Samuel Jatau, commended the Federal Government’s efforts.
He said the initiative is part of the National Policy on Food and Nutrition and would help Plateau tackle malnutrition head-on.
According to him, the programme will enable interventions at both the grassroots and across key government ministries and departments.
He noted that the initiative would support nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to enhance public health outcomes.
Earlier, the governor inaugurated the State Council on Nutrition to coordinate implementation and policy efforts.
The council is chaired by the governor and includes the ALGON chairman, and commissioners for health, planning, and information.
Other members include commissioners for finance, agriculture, water resources, energy, education, and food security. (NAN)