…as UNICEF worries over 54,000 cases of malnourished kids
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mahmoud Babamaji has lamented the issue of immunisation zero dose in local communities across Bauchi State, which is negatively affecting children under five, describing it as “quite challenging.”
He stated this while speaking on Thursday in Jos, Plateau State, during an advocacy meeting organised for Bauchi State local government chairpersons on adequate funding for nutrition and child well-being.
He said, “You talked about zero dose in the LGAs. This is quite challenging. I want to assure you that we have capable hands at the local governments, and by this, I assure you, insha’Allah.”
“By the time we round up this session, we will go back home, sit with council members and the directors of primary healthcare, and work closely to ensure that no child is left behind.
“So, we will support this program and ensure that your objectives and goals are achieved,” he assured.
Mahmoud Babamaji added, “The most important thing for us is to go back and ensure that we utilise all our available resources.
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“The governor has introduced modalities for the overall development of the state, with agriculture being one of the top priorities. Therefore, we must boost agricultural production and productivity to provide food for our people.”
“When you talk about leveraging resources to enhance food security, it is a very important and timely issue, especially considering the current state of the country’s economy.”
“When you talk about food security, you are talking about agriculture and agricultural productivity.
“Bauchi State is blessed with arable land, with up to 4.2 million hectares available, but only 1.2 million hectares are currently utilized.”
The ALGON chairperson added, “So, you can imagine the wide gap, and we believe that this kind of forum will provide suggestions and alternatives for bridging it.”
“When you visit local communities, one of the major concerns people raise is food. When you have food, especially nutritious food, the risk of disease is significantly reduced,” he added.
“We are operating a presidential system of government where all programs, policies, and resource allocations come from the top down.”
“Until and unless the federal government is willing, ready, and determined to address these issues, there will always be challenges at the grassroots.”
“So, as development partners, you also have a long way to go. I call on the federal government to ensure that resource allocations reach the LGAs and even the states in all aspects of its policies and programs.
“We are ready to support you for the good of the people,” he concluded.
In her remarks, the Chief of Field, Bauchi UNICEF Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, disclosed that Bauchi State has the highest rate of child malnutrition, with about 54,000 cases.
According to her, she has observed children at the local level, particularly in Bauchi villages, where primary healthcare facilities provide nutrition services, noting that the data on these children is “really worrying.”
She added, “In Bauchi alone, about 54,000 children are malnourished. Three out of ten children are severely malnourished, while about six are moderately malnourished.
“Moderately malnourished children can slip into severe malnutrition at any time. In 13 out of 20 LGAs in Bauchi, there are children with zero dose vaccinations.
“Not only are there many malnourished children, but they also remain unreached by the healthcare system. They have never received any vaccination to help build immunity against diseases.”
“This makes malnourished children even more vulnerable to serious illnesses like polio. Even though polio is no longer present, the risk remains.”
Nuzhat Rafique said she admires the leadership of the Bauchi State government and had met Governor Bala Mohammed, who demonstrated dedication and commitment.
She further noted that all health commissioners, LGA chairmen, and directors of health are doing their best.
Rafique continued, “However, when it comes to the communities—their culture, behaviors, and practices—you (LGA chairmen) are the backbone of the state.”
“LGAs are the units that make up the state, and you are the leaders in these LGAs who can either improve or worsen the situation.
“If an LGA has no zero-dose children, I would attribute it to the leadership of the chairman, deputy chairman, and chairpersons.”
She concluded, “There are very few LGAs in the state with no zero-dose children, and the rest can learn from them.
“But my humble request is that every LGA should strive to achieve a status where no child remains without immunization.”
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