Malnutrition: Bauchi, UNICEF Move To Save Children with support from US Government,
By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
Bauchi State Government, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United States Government (USG), has launched an initiative to prevent malnutrition within the first 1000 days of child's life.
The programme will target mothers and infants across all the 20 local government areas in the state, focusing on the critical window from conception to a child’s second birthday, a period experts say is vital for physical growth, brain development and long-term health..
The Statkeholders Meeting was for the Launch of US Government Project – Preveting malnutrition in the first 1000 Days of the child.
While formally launching the programme, State Commissioner of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Muhammad Dambam, commended UNICEF for driving the initiative particularly getting the funding from the United States Government
Muhammad Dambam lamented that the State is battling with issues of malnutrition in U-5 children adding however that efforts have been intensified to reduce the index.
According to him, “The Administration of Governor Bala Muhammad has ensured that money was released to UNICEF for the procurement of RUTF and SLNQ as well as other nutrients supplements for pregnant women and children.
He added that another sum of N300m has been approved for release in order to procure more of such commodities in order to ensure availability for the affected children.
The official launch of the programme was held at Hazbal Suit and was attended by nutrition concerned international partners and other agencies of Government
In her remarks, the Chief of Field (CFO), Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Dr Nuzhat Rafique, stated that, “Today marks an important milestone in Bauchi State’s journey towards improving maternal and child survival and nutrition. We are gathered to launch a transformative initiative, generously funded by the United States Government, focused on preventing malnutrition in the First 1,000 Days of Life, that is from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, a period recognized as the most critical window for a child’s growth and
development.”
According to her, “The Urgency of the Challenge is because Bauchi State faces a serious public health and nutrition crisis. Malnutrition contributes to nearly half of Under-five deaths. Current data shows: Stunting: 61.7%, Under-five mortality: 153 per 1,000 live births, Exclusive breastfeeding from birth to 6 months, 26%, Anaemia: 75.7% among children and 68.8% among women.c
Nuzhat Rafique who was represented by the Nutrition Specialist, Philomena Irene, stressed that, “These are not just numbers, they represent children whose growth, development, and future are at risk.”
She explained that, “This initiative aligns with key national priorities, including: The Nutrition 774 Initiative (N-774), The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) for Health, The revised National Food and Nutrition Policy. These frameworks emphasize coordination, financing, accountability, and scale, especially at state and
LGA levels.”
The CFO explained that,”This project will scale high-impact nutrition interventions across Seven states, including Bauchi, through a three-pronged approach: Strengthening Governance and Financing: Improved coordination and increased domestic funding,
including through the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF).”
Nuzhat Rafique added that it will enhanced service delivery, supply chains, and data systems, improving Diets & Practices: Scale-up of key interventions such as Multiple Micro-nutrient Supplements (MMS), Small-Quantity Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS), Vitamin A supplementation, and community-driven behaviour change.
Nuzhat Rafique stated that the effort reflects strong collaboration between government, the U.S. Government, UNICEF, Civil Society, and professional bodies.
She assured that It will also strengthen long-term systems through: Centers of Excellence for Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN), Local manufacturing of nutrition commodities and Improved data systems for decision-making.
“This initiative will reduce malnutrition, improve survival, and accelerate progress toward national and global targets,” She assured.
She added that, “We must act with urgency. I call on all stakeholders to: Commit resources, Strengthen coordination, Use data for accountability and action.”
Nuzhat Rafique concluded stressing that, “The first 1,000 days happen only once, we must get it right. Together, we can secure a healthier future for the
children of Bauchi State.”
Earlier in his remarks, Executive Chairman of the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Muhammad, commended UNICEF for initiating the project and getting the State included among the benefitting States.
He warned Local Government Nutrition officers, Council Deputy Chairpersons and others directly involved in the handling of the project to ensure effective handling and ensure that the commodities were not diverted.
He urged them to effectively utilized the services volunteers including members of the Mama2Mama and Fathers for Good Health (F4H) in their various LGAs to drive the project.
He added that the State Government has approved Six months maternity leave for nursing mothers as well as creche in every office to allow exclusive breastfeeding for nursing and lactating mothers.
The Inception Meeting was attended by Deputy Chairmen of the twenty local government areas, three Permanent Secretaries, Mama2Mama support group, Feathers For Good Health, Civil Society Organizations, youth representation, among others
