Adebayo Adenrele
…as Expert blames poor nutrition policy implementation responsible for 45% child morbidity, mortality
The Nutrition Officer of the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EKSPHCDA), Dr Bolanle Williams-Olorunyomi has launched a new book titled ‘Beauty Bites’.
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Dr Bolanle Williams-Olorunyomi stated that the Book, ‘Beauty Bites’ goes beyond nutrition to cover other lifestyle activities that promote wellness.
She described the book as a ‘gold’ resource, maintaining that it provides valuable insights that can help people prevent ailments and sustain healthier lives.
The Author stressed the importance of healthy eating habits as a means of tackling growing health challenges in society, explaining that poor nutrition remains one of the leading causes of ailments, making it necessary to enlighten people on the need to take their diet seriously.
She noted that the book was carefully put together to encourage individuals to make healthier choices that will improve their overall wellbeing.
Her words, “These days, many people face health challenges, and upon discovering their ailments, we often realize that the root cause is what they eat. In my opinion, there was a need to put out this book to encourage and enlighten people on the importance of taking their nutrition seriously.
“From my personal experience, people don’t usually believe my age when I tell them. I felt it would be good to document my practices in a book so that others can access this knowledge. That’s one of the major reasons I considered it thoughtful to write this book.
“For example, some months ago, I went to the hospital, and when the nurse asked for my age and I told her, she said: Are you sure you are not 27 years old? Comments like this further convinced me that I should put my lifestyle insights into writing.
“I believe that when people take their nutrition seriously, they will prevent many ailments and diseases that could otherwise be detrimental to their health.
‘Beauty Bites’ is not only about food. The book also covers other lifestyle activities that people can learn from. That’s why I call the book a gold that everyone should have”. She said
A Professor of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Professor Kayode Ajayi also blamed poor nutrition policy implementation for 45% child morbidity, mortality.
The University Don, who attributed the factor contributing to 45% of child morbidity and mortality to inadequate nutrition, also lamented the average 0.4% annual rate of reduction for stunting, emphasising on the need for Policy makers, parents and relevant stakeholders to prioritise proper and adequate nourishment for children.
Professor Ajayi acknowledged policies and programmes directed at effective nutritional processes, such as National Policy on Food and Nutrition in Nigeria, National Multisectoral Plan of Action on Food and Nutrition, Scaling Up Nutrition Movement in Nigeria, but lamented over poor implementations, which has made the efforts abortive.
“Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Millions of Children are undernourished with about one out of three, stunted. Nutrition is not just about survival but about thriving. A well nourished child is more productive and creative among his peers
“The average annual rate of reduction for stunting is only 0.4% points per year. Inadequate nutrition contributes to 45% of child morbidity and mortality.
“We have many policies and programmes but there are poor implementations. Such as National Policy on Food and Nutrition in Nigeria, National Multisectoral Plan of Action on Food and Nutrition, Scaling Up Nutrition Movement in Nigeria.
“Policy means nothing until they influence what we are eating, there’s a need to close the gap. Policy makers must continue to invest in nutrition”. He said
In her remarks, the first Lady of Ekiti State, Professor Olayemi Oyebanji, hailed the Book Author, Dr Bolanle Williams-Olorunyomi for her courage, creativity and commitment to enriching the intellectual and cultural fabric of society, saying the Book will not only contribute to the literary world but shape the values and aspirations of countless readers.
Prof Oyebanji, represented by the DG, Ekiti Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Olawunmi Famuyiwa commended the Book, saying it’s a shining light which brights on the power of wholesome food and good nutrition, with more emphasis on beauty and vitality.
She noted that Books remain one of humanity’s greatest gifts, which allow Writers to capture thoughts, document experiences, preserve lessons and share inspiration across time and borders.
