UNICEF commends Bauchi govt for releasing N300m to fight child malnutrition

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has acknowledged the release of N300 million by the Bauchi State Government and its 20 local government areas to the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), a critical step in the fight against severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children under five.

The acknowledgment came from Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, during an interaction with journalists on Wednesday.

Dr Rafique revealed that UNICEF will provide a matching sum of N300 million, creating a total intervention fund of N600 million to procure food and other essential items.

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This funding is a direct response to the escalating malnutrition crisis, which the article states has seen a 2.9% increase in severe acute malnutrition and a 7% increase in moderate malnutrition in the last five years in Bauchi.

“We are grateful to His Excellency, the Governor of Bauchi State, for releasing the promised N200m to UNICEF. We also appreciate ALGON for the N100m it released for the programme, which totaled N300m.

“This is a great milestone in our advocacy efforts. UNICEF will match the same amount, which will significantly help in tackling malnutrition in the state,” she said.

The release of the funds coincided with the familiarisation visit of the new UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. During the visit, the governor promised to increase the state’s contribution to N1 billion next year, a pledge that UNICEF also committed to matching.

While celebrating the financial commitment, Dr. Rafique emphasized that long-term strategies, including behavioral change and local solutions, are essential for preventing malnutrition. She underscored the importance of shifting focus from treatment alone to promoting proper child feeding practices and maternal care during the crucial first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

“The desire of UNICEF is that no child should suffer malnutrition. It affects physical growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being. Prevention is better than treatment. We must work with traditional leaders, LGAs, religious leaders, and communities to change the narrative,” she stressed.

Dr Rafique concluded by thanking journalists for their sustained media coverage and advocacy, which she said played a crucial role in securing the funds, and urged them to continue their partnership with UNICEF to create a healthy environment for women and children.