Kwara govt, UNICEF strengthen commitment to child nutrition

Kwara state government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said that it is committed to stepping up efforts to combat child malnutrition and improve health outcomes for its youngest citizens.

This is just as approximately 31 million Nigerians face food insecurity, the issue raised by the UNICEF’s Chief of Child Nutrition Development, Ms. Nemat Hajeebhoy, when she engaged state and local government committees on Food and Nutrition in a focused orientation meeting.

The UNICEF chief underscored the severity of childhood poverty in Nigeria, saying that two out of every three children suffer from malnutrition, a crisis that persists despite Nigeria’s growing economy.

“Ranked second only to India in the global burden of malnourished children, Nigeria faces significant challenges that demand coordinated action.

“Central to addressing these challenges is the promotion of breastfeeding during the critical first 1,000 days of life-a window when optimal nutrition is crucial for physical growth and cognitive development.

“Breast milk provides essential nutrients and protection against illness, helping children grow healthier and smarter,” the UNICEF chief said.

The UNICEF official urged local government leaders to maintain detailed records of babies in their jurisdictions to facilitate targeted interventions.

She also called for universal immunisation coverage and safe childbirth practices to reduce infant and maternal mortality.

Recognising the importance of environmental factors, Hajeebhoy stressed the need for clean water, sanitation, and open defecation-free communities to prevent disease and promote overall child health.

Also speaking, the Kwara state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, who recognised the efforts of the UNICEF, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to child nutrition policies.

She listed initiatives such as ongoing promotion of exclusive breastfeeding through supportive maternity leave policies that allow civil servants six months to nurture their infants.

As Nigeria grapples with a widespread malnutrition crisis, Kwara’s concerted efforts exemplify how collaboration between international organisations, government agencies, and local communities could pave the way toward healthier futures for children.

The local government community also pledged its backing.

Alhaji AbdulRahman Ladan, representing the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kwara, lauded the partnership between UNICEF and the state government, promising that all LGAs would prioritise children’s health and take ownership of nutrition programmes.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE