Northern governors have pledged to tackle malnutrition in the region, just as the Federal Government has approved $11 billion to boost primary health care across the federation.
At a policy dialogue organised by the Athena Centre, in Abuja, at the weekend, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, and Zamfara states’ governors pledged to partner with the Federal Government and development partners to combat the rising case of malnutrition in the North.
In his opening remarks, the Founder/Chancellor of Athena Centre, Osita Chidoka, underscored the need for stakeholders to unite to save young Nigerians from acute malnutrition.
He stressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address this pressing issue, while highlighting the alarming rate of malnutrition in the region and the need for action.
Chidoka, who stressed the importance of coordinated efforts between the federal and state governments, as well as international partners, questioned the effectiveness of past warnings and measures, urging immediate and long-term strategies to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
Chidoka said: “This event is about bringing national consciousness to the issue, and finding tangible solutions to make sure that our people do not suffer from acute hunger.”
In his remark, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, revealed that the Federal Government had approved $11 billion to be disbursed among the states of the federation.
Announcing the various interventions by the Bola Tinubu-led administration, including establishing several treatment sites equipped with locally sourced, ready-to-use therapeutic foods for acute malnutrition cases in the North East, the minister highlighted the gaps in the North West and discussed mobilising support to fill these gaps, including sourcing for millions of doses of micronutrient supplements for distribution across the states.
He emphasised the critical need to enhance primary health care systems across the federation to effectively combat malnutrition. Pate said the funds would be utilised to improve infrastructure, equip health care centres, and to provide necessary resources to treat and prevent malnutrition.
His words: “This multi-sectoral body brings together key ministries such as agriculture, health and education to tackle systemic issues contributing to malnutrition.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure food security and improve the health of Nigerians in the long term. “A significant portion of the approved funds will be directed towards enhancing 1,200 primary health care centres nationwide. These centres will be better equipped to provide essential services, including the treatment of acute malnutrition. Additionally, the government has secured a $60 million commitment from UNICEF’s Children Nutrition Fund, which will be used to purchase ready-to-use therapeutic foods and other necessary supplies.”
On his part, Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, outlined plans for long-term food production and fortification, emphasising sustainable agricultural practices.
Represented by the Director of Nutrition and Food Safety in the ministry, Fatima Sugra, the minister observed: “Despite these challenges, the Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency and collaborative efforts with state governments and various ministries is to tackle the crisis effectively.”
