UNICEF and Kwara State Government Launch Initiative to Combat Child Malnutrition

In a concerted effort to address the pressing issue of child malnutrition in Kwara State, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Kwara State Government have initiated a program targeting nearly 300,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. This initiative involves the distribution of 3,964 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to health facilities across the state, aiming to provide life-saving nutrition to affected children under five years of age.

The partnership is funded through the Child Nutrition Fund, with both UNICEF and the Kwara State Government contributing $100,000 each. This matching fund approach underscores a shared commitment to improving child health outcomes and combating severe acute malnutrition in the region.

UNICEF's Country Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that over 40% of children in Kwara State are stunted, and nearly 300,000 are affected by wasting. She highlighted the importance of expanding the management of severe acute malnutrition beyond the limited number of health facilities currently equipped to handle such cases.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Mamman Jibril, reaffirmed the state's dedication to eradicating child malnutrition. He stated that the partnership with UNICEF is a significant step toward safeguarding the health and future of Kwara's children.

The RUTF will be distributed to health facilities across Kwara State, targeting children under five who are suffering from severe wasting. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) services across all local government areas, ensuring that more children have access to the care and nutrition they need to thrive.

This collaborative effort between UNICEF and the Kwara State Government represents a proactive approach to tackling child malnutrition, aiming to provide immediate relief to affected children and lay the groundwork for sustained improvements in child health and nutrition.

Share to: