CS-SUNN means Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria, an alliance of non-governmental organizations focused on improving food and nutrition outcomes across Nigeria. CS-SUNN is the Nigeria Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Civil Society Alliance (CSA). Through advocacy, policy influence, and capacity-building, CS-SUNN works to reduce malnutrition rates and improve food and nutrition security, especially for vulnerable groups like children and women.
Proper nutrition is critical for a child's growth, cognitive development, and overall health. Malnutrition, especially in the first 1,000 days of life, can lead to stunted growth, reduced learning capacity, and increased susceptibility to diseases.
Malnutrition in Nigeria is caused by a combination of factors, including inadequate food intake, poor dietary diversity, poverty, insufficient healthcare services, and limited knowledge about nutrition, low funding and poor accountability mechanisms and poor nutrition policy implementation environment.
CS-SUNN implements programs focused on advocacy, policy development/implementation, public awareness capacity-building and civil society/community mobilization to address malnutrition. Our strategic foci include; Partnership, Advocacy, Capacity Building, Evidence-based intervention, Service Delivery and institutionalization of the movement.
CS-SUNN advocates for exclusive breastfeeding by engaging with policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to support policies and practices that promote breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, providing essential nutrients for optimal health and development. We strongly advocate for paid 6 months maternity leave and the establishment of breastfeeding corners in work places.
You can support CS-SUNN by donating to their programs https://cs-sunn.org/donation-page/ partnering with them for nutrition initiatives, volunteering, or spreading awareness about nutrition issues in Nigeria. Donations and partnerships help fund essential projects that drive sustainable change in communities.
Food fortification is the process of adding essential vitamins and minerals to staple foods. This practice helps address nutrient deficiencies in the population, particularly in areas with limited dietary diversity, by ensuring people receive essential nutrients in everyday foods.
Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, are essential nutrients required in small amounts for healthy growth and development. Deficiencies in micronutrients can lead to health issues such as anemia, stunted growth, and weakened immune systems. We are strongly advocating for the uptake of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements for the prevention and treatment of anaemia in Nigeria.
The SDGs related to nutrition include Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). CS-SUNN’s work aligns with these goals by promoting food security, nutrition education, and healthcare access to combat hunger and improve overall health in Nigeria.
CS-SUNN shares nutrition data, research reports, and policy briefs on its website https://cs-sunn.org/, social media platforms (https://x.com/CS_SUNN https://www.instagram.com/cs_sunnofficial/ https://www.facebook.com/cssunnNigeria/ https://www.youtube.com/@cs-sunn3451 and through stakeholder engagements. These documents can be accessed by stakeholders, researchers, and the general public to stay informed about the nutrition landscape and CS-SUNN’s impact in Nigeria.
As a key player in Nigeria’s civil society movement for nutrition, CS-SUNN has a network of over 400 civil society organizations spread across 28 states plus the FCT who are actively engaging with policymakers, communities, and international partners to advocate for increased resources, policy reforms, and awareness on nutrition issues. These Civil society organizations play a vital role by advocating for improved nutrition policies, holding governments accountable, mobilizing resources, and raising public awareness about nutrition issues.