Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Following the rising cases of death in Under 5 children who suffer from malnutrition in Gombe State, a group under the aegis of Civil Society Organisations Coalition (CSO) against Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) on Thursday advocated for increased funding in 2020 Budget.
Speaking on behalf of the Coalition that includes, International Society of Media in Public Health, Advocacy Centre for Nigeria (ISMPH), SAIF Foundation Advocacy, Society and the Future, AKHCI and Care for Life, during a visit to the Permanent Secretary, Budget office of the Ministry of Finance, leader of the group, Alhassan Yahya said increased allocation in nutrition will curb cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition in the state which is a major killer in under 5 children.
While stressing the need for more funding in nutrition of the health sector, due to the alarming rate of children with Severe Acute Malnutrition.
He said, “This is the first time we are having budgetary allocation of N500 million which is commendable, in various sectors in sensitive and non sensitive sectors in Nutrition. Nutrition is one of the emergencies in the state.
“We know nutrition is one budget that is multisectoral, we felt it may be touched, that is why we are here to appeal that instead that, it should be increased. If you look at the statistics you will notice that a lot of children still are dying because of malnutrition and government is aware of that.”
Yahya, however, commended the state governor, Inuwa Yahaya’s show of interest in the health sector, noting that it was the first time the sum of N500 million was allocated to nutrition issues in the state.
He added that malnutrition, in all forms, imposes a high cost on individuals, families and the nation hence the need for aggressive approach particularly in the area of availability of Ready To Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) needed to treat malnourished children.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Ibrahim Jalo said that the state governor, Inuwa Yahaya has a passion for the health of the people and is willing to invest in the sector.
He said the state government has reduced the size of its 2020 budget following the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the health sector was increased from N12.9 billion to N16.3 billion, because of the importance of the sector.
He added that the ministry will collaborate with relevant Departments, Agencies and Ministries to ensure that nutrition got additional funding.
