The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has officially handed over lifesaving nutrition supplies to the Kaduna State Government as part of ongoing efforts to combat child malnutrition and improve child well-being in the state.
Speaking at the handover ceremony attended by Governor Uba Sani, government officials, and development partners, UNICEF commended Kaduna State for its remarkable progress in child nutrition, health, and social welfare.
According to Wafaa Saeed, Country Representative, UNICEF Nigeria, ” In September 2024, the state government released ₦400 million for child nutrition interventions, which enabled UNICEF to support the procurement of over 8,000 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for the treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
“Additionally, about 800 cartons of Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) were purchased to prevent malnutrition among children”.
While acknowledging these milestones, UNICEF noted that malnutrition remains a significant challenge in Kaduna, particularly within the first 1,000 days of life — a critical period for child growth and development.
UNICEF highlighted that treatment for SAM is currently available in only seven health facilities per local government area (LGA) across the 23 LGAs, stressing the need for urgent scale-up to reach more children in need.
On water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), UNICEF lauded the Kaduna State Government for releasing ₦5.8 billion as counterpart funding for the “Acceleration to Sanitation and Water for All” initiative, describing the gesture as a strong testament to the state’s commitment to public health and the well-being of children.
UNICEF expressed appreciation for the state’s sustained investment in health, nutrition, WASH, education, and child protection, urging continued partnership to ensure the holistic development of children and women in Kaduna.
The agency further called for the expansion of SAM treatment sites across all LGAs, increased human resources for nutrition services and Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM), and sustained collaboration to consolidate gains made in improving child survival and development outcomes.
Governor Sani commended UNICEF for their relentless commitment towards public health and well being of children in Kaduna State, assuring that the government of Kaduna will continue to do her best for the best of her citizens.
