Compaoré, Burkina Faso President |
Global financial apex institution, the World Bank has discovered lose of $158
million, about N24.979 billion by Burkina Faso, to vitamin and mineral deficiencies
annually.
According to World Bank, micronutrient deficiencies are widespread in
Burkina Faso which contributes greatly to loss of lives as well as diminished
productivity.
Further NaijaAgroNet learnt that improving core
micronutrient interventions amounts to $10 million, about 1.58 billion per
year.
Highlighting other challenges facing the West African country, the
international bank revealed that more than one-third of child deaths are
attributable to under-nutrition and increased severity of disease, and that 36
per cent of children under the age of five are stunted, 19 per cent are wasted,
and 32 per cent are underweight.
Part of the recommendations proffered by World Bank for Burkina Faso
includes involving multiple sectors to ensure that diverse and nutritious diets
are available, and accessible to all household members.
The recommended sectors to be involved include agriculture, education,
transport, gender, the food industry, health and other sectors.
Steps taken by the international financial institution include the recent
support to Burkina Faso with $40 million, about N6.31billion Agricultural
Productivity and Food Security Project.
Yinka Awosanya/LS
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