Benue Partners Bio-Organics to Fight Malnutrition

R-L: Hon. Commissioner of Health and Human Services,

 Benue State, Dr. Orduen Abunku; Head of Corporate Affairs, 

Bio-Organics Nutrient Systems Ltd, Miss Grace Beke;

 Head of Technical, Bio-Organics Limited, Miss Ayo Tella, 

explaining the use ofEnrich MNP to the people

and Nutrition Officer of Benue State, Mrs. Catherine Anger 

With the purchase of 10 million sachets of micro-nutrient powder (MNP) known as Enrich, Benue State Government has begun tackling the scourge of malnutrition by distributing the food fortifying MNP to 86, 000 children in the state.

According to the state government, the micro-nutrients food powder which is manufactured in Nigeria by Bio-Organics Nutrient Systems Limited, will reach thousands of children in Benue State between December last year to May 2014, thereby fortifying them against malnutrition and diseases associated with micro-nutrients deficiency.

Speaking at the launch of Enrich Micro-nutrient food powder in Benue State recently, the First Lady of the State, Mrs. Dooshima Suswam, said there was need to address the problem of malnutrition in Benue with the MNP because the lack of nutritious food, poor feeding practices and children not getting enough nutritious food lead to malnutrition – which is the underlying cause of about half of deaths recorded in children under age of five years and severe acute malnutrition affecting millions of Nigerian children.

“Benue State Government has procured 10 million sachet of MNP for distribution to 86, 000 children between age of 6 months and 59 months during the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Weeks (MNCHWs) of December 2013 and May 2014. A sachet of MNP contains 15 micronutrients that are supposed to be added to the food of a child at the point of consumption.

Speaking at the launch in Benue State, the Chief Executive Officer, Bio-Organics Nutrients Systems Limited, Dr. Kenny Acholonu noted that “most complementary and staple foods lack sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals required for optimal growth and development of children, especially in the first 1000 days of life. But, with the use of Enrich as part of their food, these essential micronutrients will be supplied in sufficient quantities.

“We, therefore, want to use this opportunity to urge mothers to adopt MNP as part of their children’s feeding routine and use them according to the instructions of the health workers. Doing this diligently, will enhance the health, growth and development of the children, which will favourably complement the efforts of the state and all the stakeholders involved,” he said.