Few days after the Nutrition Group of the Bauchi Field Office of UNICEF lamented that 80% of children aged 6 to 23 months experience chronic food poverty, the Bauchi state government has reacted by inaugurating the State Council on Nutrition.
The inauguration of the Committee was aimed at sustaining the fight against malnutrition which requires concerted efforts and collaborations from all stakeholders to ensure that no child in the state falls victim, hence the need to set up the Council to serve as a platform for collective action.
While inauguration the Committee, the State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, said that the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed has prioritised nutrition as a key focus area with the allocation of significant resources to tackle severe acute malnutrition (SAM), thereby improving nutrition outcomes.
Auwal Jatau said that the present administration has, on coming on board, embraced a multi-sectoral approach that spans agriculture, health, education, social welfare, and infrastructure development with the aim to create sustainable changes in communities.
The Deputy Governor, who is the Chairman of the Council, noted that collective efforts will be crucial in formulating evidence-based strategies, coordinating activities, and driving progress towards achieving the nutrition’s goals by laying a strong foundation for the effective implementation of state-wide nutrition interventions, policies, and programs.
According to him, “Today marks a significant step towards our shared goal of addressing the challenges faced by our communities in relation to nutrition. Nutrition, as we are all aware, is not just a health issue, but a critical driver of development.
“In Bauchi State, we have seen the devastating effects of malnutrition on our communities, particularly among children and vulnerable populations.”
The deputy governor added that, “It is disheartening to witness the negative impact of this silent crisis on the future of our state. However, let us not lose hope. Today, we are here with a shared vision, focus and determination to tackle this challenges head-on and create a healthier and brighter future for our people.”
Auwal Jatau, at the inauguration, appreciated USAID, UNICEF and other development partners for their numerous interventions and support towards the overall development of the state through addressing challenges in critical areas of human survival and reaffirmed the readiness of the state government towards MoU obligations for better service delivery.
“This Council represents a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, experts, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Our commitment as a government goes beyond public speaking, it extends to concrete action. Together, let us make Bauchi State a shining example of a community that prioritizes nutrition and thrives as a result,” he assured.
In a keynote address, the Assistant Country Director of the CARE International, Jennifer Orgle, assured of the readiness and willingness of the organisation to continue to support the state government in the implementation of nutrition policies.
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