The Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, or NUJ, has called on policymakers to make affordable nutrition a top priority in their national health strategy, pointing out that the high cost of food in the market is making chronic illnesses among Nigerians worse.
National Food Is Medicine Day was observed on September 14th, and Chidi Asonye, the Chairman of the NUJ in Abia State, made the call.
Food shouldn’t be viewed as a commodity but rather as a vital tool for disease prevention, Asonye said, adding that the rising cost of living has made it harder for many families to afford wholesome meals.
He called on all levels of government to enact sustainable food policies that complement international initiatives that connect public health and nutrition.
Malnutrition and diet-related illnesses are being exacerbated by the fact that many households are finding it difficult to pay for nutritious meals.
Asonye declared, “Policy intervention is no longer optional; it is a necessity.”
Additionally, he noted that Nigeria was at risk of diet-related health issues if immediate action was not taken to address the country’s food security crisis and inflation.
The chairman of the Abia NUJ emphasized that Abia State journalists have already begun a campaign to combat unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition in the state.
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