The United Nations Fund, UNICEF, Tuesday, handed over cartons of ready to use Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) foods to the Enugu State Government.
Handing over the food at a colourful ceremony, the UNICEF Chief of Nutrition Section, Ms Nemat Jajeebhoy, lamented that malnutrition remains a major public health challenge, adding that Nigeria has the highest number of malnourished children in Africa and second highest in the world.
According to her, “Stunting among children under five increased from 12% in 2013 to 15% (135,008)(2024 NDHS). These increasing trends underscore the urgency of scaling up proven, high-impact interventions particularly in the First 1000 Days of Life, such as MMS, SQ-LNS and RUTF.”
She however commended the state for positioning itself as a model state in the area of ensuring adequate nutrition for its populace.
“Enugu is one of the first states to procure MMS and among few states to prioritize prevention by procuring SQ-LNS,” she commended but urged the state government among other things to ensure that the facilities reached the hard to reach rural areas.
The nutritionist also urged the Enugu State Government to sustain increased budget on nutrition, noting that UNICEF will continue to partner with the state.
“I have full faith that under your leadership, Your Excellency, Enugu State will continue to sustain budget commitment to institutionalize these interventions in the State’s child-health agenda as already demonstrated by the inclusion of procurement of MMS in the SPHCDA’s Annual Operating Plan.
“UNICEF remains firmly committed to deepening our partnership with the Enugu State Government to ensure that no child is left behind.
“Together, we can significantly reduce stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies, and preventable child and maternal deaths,” she said.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, commended UNICEF for their partnership, noting that UNICEF support to nutrition in the state remains legendary.
Mbah pointed out that because of their commitment to ensuring the nutrition of the state, nutrition desk officers were put in place in ministries and MDAs.
