Well-nourished kids will grow into healthy adults — Nestle boss

The authorities of Nestle Nigeria Plc have said that in order for children to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight that will enable them to become healthy adults, they must engage in regular physical activities and healthy eating habit.

Speaking at the Nestle Healthy Kids Programme Teachers’ Workshop on Friday, the managing Director/Chief Executive of Nestle, Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon, said after analysing the value chain, the company decided that the areas it could have the greatest impacts are nutrition, water and rural development.

“The Nestle Healthy Kids Programme forms an integral part of our commitment to improving global nutrition through the promotion of greater awareness, improved knowledge and effective practice of healthy eating and regular physical activity, which will have positive impact on health,” Gordhon said.

He said education was a powerful tool which would ensure that children understand the value of nutrition and physical activities throughout their lives.

He said, “As a leading nutrition, health and wellness company, we believe that we can make significant contributions to the development of nutrition education through extensive knowledge of nutrition and business competence, using experts in the education as the agents of change.

“Consequently, we are collaborating with the State Universal Basic Education Board, the ministries of education and health, as well as the non-governmental organisation, the Centre for Health Education, Population and Nutrition, to implement the Healthy Kids Programme in Nigeria.”

Gordhon noted that the primary goal of the nutrition education was to help children to adopt dietary habit that will promote health and reduce risks of diseases.

“Cognitive-focused education results in gains in knowledge, with little effects on behaviour. That is why Nestle Kids Programme emphasises behaviour-based nutrition education that encourages specific healthy eating behaviour such as eating less fat and sodium, and eating more fruits and vegetables.”

The whole-day event drew teachers from the public schools across the state, while notable academia taught workshops on nutrition, hygiene, hydration and other relevant topics.

Launched in 2011, the Nestle Kids Programme is aimed at raising awareness on the importance of good nutrition and an active lifestyle among school age children in the country