The Gombe State Government and United Nations Children’s Fund have procured 5,830 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food to treat no fewer than 6,529 children with severe wasting in the state.
Speaking, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office hailed Gombe State Government’s partnership which culminated in the procurement.
“Gombe State has demonstrated exemplary leadership in the areas of nutrition and health through consistent funds release, service delivery, and strong enabling environment.
” The state government’s contribution of 175 million Naira in 2023, matched by UNICEF, has enabled the procurement of these life-saving commodities,” she said.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the Child Nutrition Match Fund, supported by donors including the UK Government, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is a unique match funding instrument that allows governments to double their investment in essential nutrition commodities.
“Gombe State has a high burden of malnutrition, with 51 per cent of children stunted, 8.8 per cent wasted, and 64 per cent of pregnant women suffering from anemia,” said Rafique. “We commend the state government for their efforts and urge them to release more resources in 2025 to procure additional commodities.”
UNICEF called for sustained support to address the rising malnutrition rates in Nigeria, which has the highest number of malnourished children in Africa and the second highest globally. “We will continue to partner with the state to improve nutrition and health outcomes for women and children,” Dr. Rafique emphasised.
Receiving the cartons of RUTF at his office on behalf of the state, Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Jatau, lauded UNICEF’s partnership and love for children which seek to ensure their well-being.
Jatau pledged judicious use of the food.
