EIGHTY per cent of children under two years and 50 per cent of school-aged children suffer from malnutrition, according to Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran.
She told the National Farmers Awards ceremony in Nadi last week malnutrition in Fiji was a major public health concern.
“A concerted effort can improve Fiji’s nutrition and overall health, which is vital as we struggle with non-communicable diseases,” she said.
“Use our backyards, containers, hydroponics, microgreens, in whichever medium we can, and educate our children to be able to grow food and choose to eat healthily.
“The first five years of a child’s life are crucial as their cells, their awareness, and tastes are developing.”
Ms Kiran said this stage of a child’s life was an important time to build good habits, instil good values and help develop their taste buds.
“Often, we see children being fed processed foods as soon as they start taking solid foods. This not only impacts their physical and cognitive development, but also creates a disconnect from the foods that are culturally ours and which have nurtured us for generations.
“If every household can plant a stick of saijan, bele or rourou, that’s your iron content right there. They don’t take much space, are easy to grow, and are not water- or nutrient-hungry. These leaves in our dhal, soups and salads can greatly improve our health.”
