Understanding the need for community members to embrace the consumption of Biofortified foods, the Commercialization of Biofortified Crops (CBC) project Partner, Foundation for Livelihood Advancement (FLA) has urged health workers on intake of nutritious foods.
Speaking during the training that took place at Nwangele LGA of Imo, the Commercialization of Biofortified Crops (CBC) Imo State implementing partner and Program Director, FLA, Elder Kenneth Amogu noted that there’s need for the community/village health workers to be trained on the nutrition recipe and how to grow for commercialization, adding that there’s no alternative to health of individuals as according to him, when a person is healthy, he or she can work effectively. He called on the health workers to always advise their patients on the need to take healthy foods, especially those rich in vitamin A components.
Amogu posited that it hoped that in no distant time, the whole of Imo will be talking about taking Biofortified foods and crops. He noted that when people take healthy meals, it helps to build their immune system which fights away sickness.
In her comment, the State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Lois Onyeike who was represented by Mrs Ozuruigbo called on health workers to not advise people on healthy living but they should also consume them. She said they should find small portion of land and plant Biofortified Crops and reduce the intake of carbohydrates foods. She noted that vitamin A foods fight hidden hunger and makes one healthy.
In her contribution, the Nutritional Focal Person, Nwangele LGA, Mrs Leticia Ohiri welcomed the Foundation for Livelihood Advancement for the training and assured that they will put to use all they have learnt. She applauded the FLA, Harvestplus and GAIN for their support in ensuring that the knowledge of Biofortified foods is brought to them.
The CEO, Delight Food, Delight Ohaka took the women on training Section which included, Vitamin A Maize, wet and dry pap making, Orange Flesh Sweet Potatoe (Vitamin A Potatoe) Omelette making, Orange Flesh Sweet Potatoe flour, Orange Flesh Sweet Potatoe chin chin.
During the practical session, Mr L. E. Ohaka, LIO (LGA Immunization Officer), Nwangele LGA, Mr Joseph Okafor, the HOD Health, Nwangele LGA including Ada N Ozuruigbo, tasted the delicacies prepared by the women that were trained.
