Communicators and journalists have been charged to intensify awareness creation and advocacy on micro-nutrient deficiency in Africa.
The charge was borne out of an action plan agreed upon after a three- day workshop to build the capacity of some communicators and journalists from 17 selected African countries aimed at intensifying the fight against micronutrient deficiencies in Africa.
The Participants, who number over 20, pledged to use their platforms to amplify the urgency of the issue, raise public awareness, and hold governments accountable to implement policies that can further resolve the malnutrition situation across the region after series of intense discussions and interactive sessions on the subject matter.
The training workshop which was organized by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in collaboration with the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, ended on Thursday September 19 in Abidjan.
In an interview on the sidelines of the training program, the Country Action Specialist for Francophone Africa from the Dakar Hub of the SUN Movement, a global initiative working to end malnutrition in all its forms Judith Kabore, stressed the urgent need to confront malnutrition.
She further charged the media to take an active role in intensifying awareness and advocacy within their respective countries.
“Malnutrition has become a big issue that needs urgent attention. African leaders must deliberately and intentionally address these challenges to ensure children receive the nutrients they need to grow well. Journalists are essential to this fight. Their voices can help push leaders and communities to take decisive actions against micronutrient deficiencies,” she explained.
The workshop is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and the Catholic Relief Services [CRS].
