In a significant move to combat malnutrition in Jigawa State, UNICEF has handed over 12,400 cartons of Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) to the State Government.
The RUTF is expected to treat 14,000 children with wasting, a condition where a child is too thin for his or her height.
UNICEF, in a press statement on Tuesday said this initiative, funded through the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), reinforces the unwavering commitment of both partners to improving child health in the State.
“Over the past three years, Jigawa State has shown remarkable leadership in nutrition, health, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) through consistent fund releases, quality service delivery, and creating a strong enabling environment.
“The Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) supported by key donors such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) amongst others and managed by UNICEF, is a unique funding instrument.
“By matching government financing of essential nutrition commodities in a 1:1 ratio, it allows governments to double their investment, accelerating the scale-up of policies and programs for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of malnutrition.
“Jigawa State was one of the early adopters of the Child Nutrition Fund, releasing 250 million Naira in 2023. UNICEF matched this amount, enabling the procurement of 12,400 cartons of RUTF. This initiative will treat children with severe wasting, marking the largest contribution by any state in Nigeria under the CNF to date.”the statement explained.
The Governor of Jigsaw State, Mallam Umar Namadi, thanked UNICEF for the partnership while commiting to improving the nutritional status of women and children in the state.
He said: “UNICEF is our key partner, and we are happy to have seen our partnership becoming even stronger. My government is committed to work for improving the nutritional status of women and children of Jigawa State as it is a matter of their fundamental rights.”
UNICEF tepresentative in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate, expressed her admiration for Jigawa State’s efforts, saying “The commitment of Jigawa State under the leadership of the Governor in addressing malnutrition has been exemplary.
“The Child Nutrition Fund has allowed us to double our impact, ensuring that more children receive the life-saving treatment they need. I sincerely hope other state governments will be encouraged by the commitment shown by Jigawa State and invest in the child nutrition fund to address malnutrition in their respective states.”
Ms. Munduate also announced, “UNICEF will provide Multiple Maternal Supplements (MMS) free of cost for pregnant women in Jigawa State to improve pregnancy outcomes. Our commitment to enhancing nutrition and health outcomes for the people of Jigawa, especially women and children, remains steadfast.”
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