NHED, and its Partners ( Aisha Buhari Foundation, CISLAC and ISMPH) implementing the advocacy on the prevention and treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Nigeria collaboratively hosted the Private Sector Summit. The event was to solicit commitment from private food companies to produce RUTF locally for the treatment of SAM.
The meeting took place on 25 November 2019 at the conference hall of the First Lady’s office in the State House. The meeting was chaired by the First Lady of Nigeria, Hajia (Dr) Aisha Buhari. Among other key dignitaries in attendance was the wife of the Vice-President, Mrs. Dolapo Osibanjo, the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, & wife of the Governor of Kebbi State. The private sector was highly represented by major manufacturers in the food industry, to mention a few, Dansa foods, Ariel Foods Nig Ltd, Eriscco Foods, Emzor food, and beverages & Frislandcampina Nigeria.
Her excellency‘s passionate speech demonstrated her commitment to the local production of RUTF. This she said will solve the problem of stock-outs and relieves the challenges of international procurement of RUTF and consequently reduces child death from SAM. she enjoined the private sector to key into the opportunity, which will serve as part of their corporate social responsibility. She, however, lamented on the problem of electricity which increases production cost in Nigeria. She gave the manufacturers her highest assurances that it will be a worthwhile venture for everyone that will join in making this vision a possibility.
The private sector gave their total commitment to local production of RUTF, some of the companies that gave their total pledge are Ariel Foods Nigeria Ltd, Emzor Paracetamol, Dansa Foods, and Erissco foods. For example, Ariel food made a presentation of their set-up factory in Lagos and announced in March 2020 as the launch of RUTF production. After the meeting, her excellency, Dr. Aisha Buhari took to her twitter handle as shown in the picture below, expressing her satisfaction and happiness for securing the commitment of the private sector
