To support the prevention of chronic malnutrition among children in Africa, Ecobank Foundation has promised to work with UNITLIFE, a United Nations initiative, to set up a fundraising mechanism.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday to announce the launch of ‘Make the Connection’ campaign, raise awareness and funds to prevent chronic malnutrition in Africa.
According to the foundation, the disruptions caused by the Coronavirus Disease to countries’ health systems and the global economy exacerbated the malnutrition crisis in Africa.
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“Nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruit and animal-sourced foods have become less accessible and less affordable for millions of families,” it stated.
Speaking on the joint initiative, Chief Operating Officer, Ecobank Foundation, Carl Manlan, explained that the bank was supporting the communication efforts of the campaign and bringing the necessary expertise to set up the fundraising mechanisms.
“At the foundation, our aim is to create a positive impact on the lives of people across Africa. Supporting UNITLIFE helps us to achieve our mission. We are glad that we can contribute to a healthier and more prosperous future for children in Africa,” Manlan added.
The statement quoted the Head of UNITLIFE Secretariat, Assia Sidibe, to have said, “Everywhere in Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disastrous effect on people’s income and ability to access nutritious foods. The Standing Together for Nutrition Consortium projects that an estimated 1.2 million additional children in Sub-Saharan Africa will be stunted in 2022 compared to 2019 due to interruptions in nutrition services and increased household poverty.
“It is imperative that we shine more light on chronic malnutrition in these challenging times. UNITLIFE is excited to partner with the Ecobank Foundation to raise awareness and funds to fight this disease.”
The foundation added that the campaign was in line with the ongoing global effort to mobilise additional resources for development, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, especially SDG2, ‘End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.’
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