2023-09-11 01:11:18
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Benin is hosting the first Forum for Young Children’s Feeding in West and Central Africa from September 12 to 14, 2023. The objective of this meeting, organized by UNICEF in collaboration with the government of Benin, is to promote equitable access to a rich, balanced and diversified diet for children aged 6 to 23 months in the region.
What is the observation:Child malnutrition remains a major concern in West and Central Africa. Nearly a third of children suffer from stunted growth and nearly 80% do not benefit from sufficient dietary diversity, according to joint estimates from the World Bank, the WHO (World Health Organization) and of UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). These figures demonstrate the urgency of action to guarantee balanced development for every child. Without a diverse diet, children lack the essential nutrients needed for their growth and development. This deficiency has lasting consequences on their physical and mental health and on their future. For the Regional Director of UNICEF in West and Central Africa, Félicité Tchibindat, malnutrition is a violation of children’s rights. According to her, West and Central Africa has all the wealth and resources necessary to offer each child the rich and diversified diet they deserve. “Together we must think about sustainable solutions, encourage commitments and create a new space for cooperation. It is time to rethink food systems to meet the needs of people and every child in the region,” she said.
What are the benefits of this forum: Discussions at this international meeting will focus on practical solutions to improve the production, processing and retailing of locally produced nutritious foods for young children. The forum will also highlight the importance of strengthening community resilience in the face of conflict and climate change, and promoting food sovereignty in the region. It is also an opportunity to trigger innovative solutions to collectively provide concrete and sustainable responses, in particular by: strengthening the commitment of governments to implement standards and regulations to support healthy diets for young children, encouraging participants, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises, to improve access to nutritious complementary foods and by mobilizing donors and investors to support the “First Foods” initiative and promote sustainable food systems.
Between the lines :The Regional Forum is part of the “First Foods” initiative, the objective of which is to transform food systems to sustainably combat child malnutrition in all its forms. This meeting will bring together government representatives, entrepreneurs, researchers, civil society organizations, UN agencies, investors and donors. Together, they will help build a future where child malnutrition will no longer be an obstacle to development and prosperity.
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