Civil Society – Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria ( CS-SUNN) has urged Enugu state Government to improve it’s investment on nutrition and release funds for nutritional activities in the state promptly, saying that doing so, will bring sustainable development and economic prosperity.
Pix-: Representative of Enugu. State House of Assembly Hon .Moses Okoh, House Committee chairman on Civil Service, Civil Society and Labour Matters
The group made the call at a One-Day Policy Dialogue on extension of paid maternity leave from three months to six months,for pubic service nursing mothers in Enugu state.
The participants noted that malnutrition leads to stunted growth and ,” stunting, associated with poor brain and reduced productivity in adulthood, is a concern in Enugu State, with 14.8% of children under five stunted, 6.1% underw eight, and 2.2% wasted .
The dialogue which was hosted by the Civil Society – Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria , (CS-SUNN) brought together a diverse group of participants, including members of the State House of Assembly, government officials, members of the SCFN, representatives from civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, media and other key stakeholders.
Pix-: Clara Eze ,Permanent secretary,Ministry of Budgeting and Economic planning
The Programme Manager of CS-SUNN, Dr. Goodness Anyanwu said the state assembly, and the state government had agreed to partner with the group in ensuring the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding . She explained the objectives of the NGO and the need of extending the nutrition advocacy to the grassroot. also urged the lawmakers to support legislation that would ensure that working class nursing mothers get six months maternity leave for adequate care and well being of their babies.. She also urged the state government to set up creches in workplaces to enable nursing mothers to be closer to their babies.
Rising from the meeting, participants issued a 6-Point Communique signed by the Permanent secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture.
Pix-: Representative of Head of Service, Alalong Calister
The Communique read in parts:
There should be prompt release of adequate funds for nutrition activities in the State..
“Paid maternity leave should be extended from three to six months in the State.
CS-SUNN should work closely with the Enugu State Government to ensure the smooth implementation of the extended maternity leave policy.
There should be Advocacy visits to all relevant MDAs for budgetary allocation and release of funds.
Pix-: Participants
There should be an intensified advocacy to ensure workplace protection of mothers during maternity leave, to mitigate against their fear of being left out in the workplace..
The policy dialogue was a significant step towards enhancing the welfare of working mothers and children, promoting gender equality, and fostering a more supportive work environment.
Pix: CS-SUNN national Representative ,Dr Goodness Anyanwu
The Communique also stated that “participants are committed to taking the necessary actions to realize the benefits of this policy extension and increased adequate funding and release for nutrition activities in Enugu state”±.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama
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