FCT ADMINISTRATION REITERATES COMMITMENT TO COMBATING MALNUTRITION AND OVERNUTRITION
By: Winnie Tanu
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reiterated its commitment to addressing the dual burden of malnutrition and overnutrition in the nation’s capital.
The Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, made this known during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Clinical Nutrition Conference, organized by the West Africa Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN). The event was held at the Trauma Centre of the National Hospital, Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the Mandate Secretary, the Director-General of the Hospital Management Board (HMB), Dr. Olugbenga Bello, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s unwavering commitment to improving nutritional outcomes for residents of the territory.
He stated that the FCT is prepared to offer support wherever necessary to reduce both undernutrition and overnutrition, in alignment with the broader health plans of the FCT Minister.
“Adequate nutrition is essential for health and well-being. Malnutrition — whether undernutrition or overnutrition — significantly contributes to the onset and progression of many diseases,” he emphasised.
Dr. Fasawe noted that the FCTA, in collaboration with development partners, has made concerted efforts to reduce malnutrition through policy reforms, infrastructure investments, and the training of frontline health workers.
She added that the conference comes at a critical time, as health trends in the region are evolving. While past concerns focused largely on undernutrition and conditions such as kwashiorkor, the rise in overnutrition — particularly childhood obesity in urban areas — is now emerging as a significant challenge.
Abuja Digest reports that the conference brought together healthcare experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the region and beyond. Themed “Bridging the Gap: Integrating Hospital and Community Malnutrition Care in Developing Countries,” the event is a collaborative effort between WASPEN, the Federal Ministry of Health, the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), and the National Hospital, Abuja.
Experts at the conference are expected to share global insights, research findings, and practical strategies aimed at improving patient care and nutrition-related health outcomes. Sessions will focus on capacity building, system integration, and community engagement.
