An expert on nutrition, Dr. Bamidele Omotola, has revealed that investing in children’s nutrition offers some of the greatest opportunities for social and economic change in Africa.

According to Dr. Omotola, every single dollar invested in reducing stunting among children in Africa, there’s a return on investment of $16, which is capable of bringing Africa and Nigeria in particular out of poverty.

The nutrition consultant, who stated this in Yola, Adamawa State, at a media dialogue on child malnutrition with a theme: “Investing in Child Malnutrition for Future”, added that about 33 per cent of Nigerians will get out of extreme poverty if the country successfully tackles malnutrition.

“If Nigeria overcomes the menace of malnutrition, 33 per cent of poor people will get out of extreme poverty and give their own children a better chance at life.” Dr. Omotola added.

He said malnourished children have zero potential to contribute to any country’s economy, adding that the fight against malnutrition has become imperative for Nigeria because any economy where 50 per cent of the children are stunted or wasted is doomed.

The nutrition expert warned that children with severe form of acute malnutrition has nine-fold risk of death compared to well-nourished children. He said one in five children with severe acute malnutrition cases would die if treatment is not provided at the right time.

He therefore called for investment to ensure food security to end extreme hunger by 2030, the second goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Daily Times, Pg. 17.