Major nutritional problems of children in Nigeria and possible solutions--Anambra State experience

Seventeen towns in Anambra State, Nigeria were investigated with a view of identifying some of the existing nutritional problems of children in Nigeria. Information on nutritional status and demographic data were obtained by visiting the primary schools, maternity homes and the child welfare centres. House to house visits were also made. A total of 3406 children (0-17 years) were seen. Analysis of data revealed among other things, a high incidence of malnutrition as judged by weight for age measurements according to the Harvard Standard Values. Thirty per cent of the 3-year olds and 20% of the older girls and boys were severely malnourished. Poor earning power, poor management of money, food and poor methods of food preparation and high cost of foods were major causes of malnutrition in urban and rural areas. Economic development had in general led to an improvement in nutrition, but reliance on the economic growth in Anambra State however, would not significantly cut the very great differences in the standard of living. Many malnourished children came from the poorest sectors of the society which are likely to benefit only slowly from an increase in the average standard of living. A more realistic approach may be gradual introduction (from a few schools) of free school milk with snack or hot school lunch programmes in Anambra State.