UNICEF Raises Alarm Over Child Malnutrition, Open Defecation In Katsina

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns over the rising cases of stunted growth among children in Katsina State and the state’s slow progress towards achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

Speaking at the 2024 end-of-year review and 2025-2027 workplan meeting held in Katsina, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, Mr Rahama Mohammed, described the situation as alarming.

He pointed out that while neighbouring Kano and Jigawa states have recorded significant improvements in child nutrition, Katsina continues to face increasing challenges.

“The rise in stunted growth among children in Katsina is deeply worrisome, especially when we compare it to the notable progress achieved in Kano and Jigawa. We must act decisively to reverse this trend,” Mohammed stated.

He also highlighted UNICEF’s ongoing partnership with the Katsina State Government to ensure the state achieves ODF status by 2025.

Despite Jigawa becoming Nigeria’s first state to be certified ODF in 2022, Katsina still grapples with widespread open defecation, a practice that affects over 46 million Nigerians nationwide.

UNICEF called on stakeholders to intensify efforts in addressing malnutrition and sanitation challenges.

Experts have emphasised that achieving ODF status requires not only infrastructure development but also community education and behavior change to promote sustainable practices.

The agency’s renewed focus on these issues underlines the urgency of tackling malnutrition and poor sanitation, both of which pose significant barriers to the health and development of children in Katsina.

With coordinated action, stakeholders hope to turn the tide and improve the lives of the state’s most vulnerable populations.