The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has scored Adamawa state government as the first state in Nigeria to pay its counterpart fund geared towards tackling malnutrition.
Dr Tushar Rane, Chief of Field Office UNICEF Nigeria, Bauchi Field Office dropped the hint during the launch of the state food nutrition policy and multi sectoral strategic plan on nutrition.
Rane said N100 million counterpart contribution would address all forms of malnutrition particularly in the area of wasting anaemia and stunting.
Rane said the fund would go a long way in tackling chronic food poverty, exclusive breast feeding and improve child minimum dietary diversity of women and children in the state.
Philomena Irene, Nutrition Specialist, who spoke for Chief of Field Office UNICEF Nigeria, Bauchi Field Office said 415,625 children under the age of five are estimated to be suffering from moderate acute malnutrition and severe acute malnutrition which is dangerous condition to children in the state.
“It is our hope that the new policy will provide an overarching framework covering the multi dimensions of food and nutrition improvement”.
She said ensuring proper nutrition of children plays a leading role in averting death of children.
Earlier, Deputy Governor Kaletapwa George Farauta, who represented Governor Ahmadu Fintiri said government aimed to enhance food security, improve maternal and child health and fortify educational programs with nutritional specific and nutrition sensitive approach
She said the initiative reflects government’s support to tackle hunger and malnutrition in the state
In his remark, Mr Felix Tangwami, Commissioner for Health and Human Services said the policy lunch is aimed at attaining an optimal nutrition status by the year 2025.
“This was what informed the need to demonstrate the policy plan in Adamawa as directed the governor,” the commissioner said.
By Hussaini Hammangabdo
