In a proactive move to tackle malnutrition and improve public health in Obudu Local Government Area, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Rhoda Ashong, has inaugurated a special committee on Food, Nutrition, and Hygiene.
The committee is tasked with identifying critical areas where poor nutrition is affecting residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and nursing mothers. This comes in response to alarming reports indicating rising cases of malnourished children within the local government.
In her address during the inauguration at the Obudu Council Secretariat, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Ashong emphasized the importance of nutrition in community development and charged the committee to also carry out wide scale sensitization on good hygiene practices. She noted that poor hygiene often compounds the effects of malnutrition and contributes to avoidable health complications.
She reiterated that Obudu Local Government ably led by Hon. (Amb) Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, will continue to show commitment to grassroots development, with special focus on improving the quality of life for all residents.
The committee will work closely with the Supervisor for Health, community health workers, local leaders, and other stakeholders to develop sustainable strategies that will ensure proper nutrition and sanitation practices across Obudu.
The committee is tasked with interventions which include:
• Community-based nutrition education programs.
• Encouraging backyard gardening to boost access to fresh vegetables.
• Promoting exclusive breastfeeding and proper weaning for infants.
• Organizing hygiene sensitization campaigns focusing on hand washing, clean water usage, and proper waste disposal.
• Partnering with NGOs and relevant health agencies to provide nutritional supplements and hygiene kits to families in need.
Ikwen Atuaka
Chief Press Secretary
Obudu Local Government Council.
