By Murtala Muhammad
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has called for urgent and sustained investment in child nutrition and health to tackle malnutrition and ensure stronger futures for Nigerian children.
New UNICEF Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms Wafaa Saeed, made the call in a statement issued in Abuja after her visit to Plateau and Bauchi States where she met with government officials, traditional leaders, mothers and children.
While in Plateau, Ms Saeed commended the State Government’s commitment to children, highlighting its investment in the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) which led to the procurement of over 5,300 cartons of nutrition supplements for 15,000 children.
She, however, noted that nearly half of children under five remain stunted, stressing the need for quick release of pledged funds and investments in locally available nutritious foods to strengthen growth.
Meanwhile, in Bauchi state, Ms Saeed engaged Governor Bala Mohammed on strengthening healthcare and education, while also commending efforts to expand newborn care, renovate primary healthcare centres, and scale up investment in child-friendly services.
She observed the dedication of community groups, including “Fathers for Good Health, spreading health messages, women supporting each other in Mama2Mama groups, and traditional leaders taking active roles in improving child wellbeing.
Ms Saeed further commended Bauchi State’s release of ₦300 million to the UNICEF-managed CNF, which will be matched, thereby expanding access to lifesaving nutrition interventions for vulnerable children.
According to her, Plateau and Bauchi states have demonstrated what is possible when leadership, communities and partners unite for children, urging other states to release funds and scale up local solutions.
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