Studies indicate that Micronutrient Deficiency is one of the serious problems that affect developing countries. In a workshop organized by the Ministry of Health to media professionals, it is also stated that nutrition deficiency is one of the problems affecting newborn children in Ethiopia. According to the research presented by experts, pregnant women`s failure to have proper prenatal and postpartum care checkups and absence of nutrient rich foods affects the future of newly born children.
On her presentation, Nutrition Officer with the Ministry of Health Gobane Dea said that the impact of Neural Tube Defects (NTD) in Ethiopia is significant and the prevalence rate of NTDs in the country is relatively high. According to her, NTDs are a group of birth defects that affect the development of the brain, spine and spinal cord of a fetus. Because of this, children are seen becoming victims of several health complications.
It is important to note that consuming a varied and balanced diet can provide a significant amount of folate, and pregnant individuals or those planning to conceive, are often advised to take a folic acid supplement. This is because the recommended intake of folate increases during pregnancy to support the development of baby’s neural tube formation and overall growth; and prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, one of the most common birth defects.
Nutrition deficiency is a multidimensional problem that affects children and adults alike. Because of the health problems caused due to nutrition deficiency, it is not only a single child that will be a victim of the problem; rather it is also a family and the whole nation as well.
According to the expert, the most common types of NTDs found in Ethiopia are anencephaly and spina bifida. Anencephaly is a condition where the baby is born without parts of the brain and skull, while spina bifida is a condition where the spinal cord does not develop properly.
In her presentation Gobane also stressed the fact that identification of age, sex, profession or other considerations have key roles for adolescents and adults while taking Macro or micro nutrients. While macronutrients provide energy and contribute to the body’s structure, micronutrients are involved in regulating various physiological processes, supporting immune function, and promoting overall health. Both types of nutrients are necessary for maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet.
Due to nutritional deficiency and related problems families are seen suffering from both economic and social challenges. To address the problem, creating awareness among the society is an unquestionable issue. Coordinated effort of the government, the society and the media play a significant role in this regard.
To reduce the risk of neural tube defects, healthcare professionals often recommend that women take folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy. Folic acid supplementation has been shown to significantly reduce the occurrence of neural tube defects. Therefore, in addition to prenatal and postpartum medical examinations, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition is crucial for reducing the risk of birth related defects.
It is essential for pregnant individuals to consult healthcare professionals, attend regular prenatal check-ups, and strictly follow their healthcare providers’ recommendations to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mothers and babies.
“It is also important to note that the specific nutrient requirements vary based on factors such as age, sex, activity level, and overall health. Consulting with healthcare professionals or registered dietitians can provide personalized guidance on meeting ones’ individual nutrient needs.”
For instance, proper intake of vegetables and fruits has substantial benefits for pregnant or lactating women. “Consuming a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and other food items play a key role in obtaining an adequate intake of vitamin B9, also known as folic acid or folate. Vitamin B9 is essential for various bodily functions, including the production of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA.”
The expert recommended that as a means to overcome the challenge, pregnant mothers are advised to take leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens, and other leafy greens) because they are excellent sources of folate. She also said, proper consumption of lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and other legumes are also rich in folate. Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, and lemons) are not only high in vitamin C but also contain folate. Avocado, fortified grains and cereals, asparagus and broccoli are recommendable to mothers or lactating women.
Gobane said that micro and macro nutrients are essential components of a balanced diet that are required for optimal health and proper functioning of the body. Absence of the proper amount of micro will expose children to NTDs. Micro Nutrients are vitamins and minerals that are essential to the proper functioning of our body.
Regarding the solutions and recommendations to curb the problem, the expert said, the Ministry of Health together with other stakeholders is working hand and glove. “Efforts are being made to prevent NTDs and other related problems through various intervention and mechanisms. This includes creating awareness among the society and promotes the intake of folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, by pregnant women,” she reiterated.
The Ministry of Health in Ethiopia is working aggressively to avert Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) through various means. This includes promoting the intake of folic acid supplements by women of reproductive age, especially during the preconception period and early pregnancy.
Antenatal care services are the other area where the Ministry is focusing on to improve access to antenatal care services across the country. This includes regular check-ups, counseling, and educating pregnant women on various aspects of maternal and child health, including the prevention of NTDs.
The Ministry also conducts extensive health education and awareness raising campaigns to inform the public, particularly women and families, about the importance of proper nutrition, folic acid supplementation, and prenatal and postpartum care to prevent NTDs. These campaigns aim to increase knowledge and bring about behavioral change regarding NTD prevention. What is more, the Ministry is working committedly to develop healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to ensure access to quality prenatal and maternal healthcare services. This includes training healthcare providers, equipping health facilities, and improving referral systems for specialized care.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER 2023
