By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has disclosed that the Bauchi State Government have released the sum of N300m as contribution to the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF).
The Chief of Field Office (BFO), UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique who stated this during an interaction with Journalists at the UNICEF Office, said that the money is part of efforts to eradicate severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children U-5 in the state.
“We are grateful to His Excellency, the Governor of Bauchi State, for releasing the promised N200m to UNICEF. We also appreciate ALGON for the N100m it released for the programme, making a total of N300m.”
“The release of the fund coincided with the familiarisation visit of the new UNICEF Nigeria, Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, to the Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, during which the issue was discussed”
“UNICEF would also provide a matching sum of N300m, bringing the total intervention fund to N600m for the procurement of the foods and other items required for the fight against malnutrition”
“This is a great milestone in our advocacy efforts. UNICEF will match the same amount, which will significantly help in tackling malnutrition in the state,”
“ALGON also contributed N100m to the fund, the intervention would support the procurement of nutrition supplies, ready-to-use therapeutic food, to save malnourished children” She said
The UNICEF CFO said that the Governor had promised to increase the State’s contribution to N1bn next year, which UNICEF also pledged to match.
Nuzhat Rafique stressed on the need for long-term strategies, including behavioural change and local solutions, to prevent malnutrition stressing that it is easier and better to prevent than to fight it.
” UNICEF’s focus was not only on treatment but also on promoting proper child feeding practices and maternal care from conception through the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
“The desire of UNICEF is that no child should suffer malnutrition. It affects physical growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being. Prevention is better than treatment. We must work with traditional leaders, LGAs, religious leaders, and communities to change the narrative.” She added
Nuzhat Rafique commended Journalists covering UNICEF activities for the sustained media coverage and advocacy that has been yielding positive results particularly the issue of the CNF which has now been put to rest with the release of the funds.
She urged Journalists not to relent in the partnership with UNICEF in the bid to create a healthy environment for children and women.