The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that no fewer than 400,000 children in communities across Adamawa State are in urgent need of nutritional treatment.
This was disclosed by Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, during a two-day workshop on Legislative Action and Commitment to Nutrition, held in Yola. The event was organised by the Adamawa State Planning Commission with support from UNICEF.
Rafique highlighted that approximately 50% of children in Adamawa suffer from chronic malnutrition, and stressed the importance of exclusive breastfeeding as a preventive measure. She noted that UNICEF has provided the state with nutrition supplements but emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to effectively combat the growing malnutrition crisis.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley represented by Kate Mamuno, the Assembly’s Majority Leader pledged the legislature’s commitment to advancing nutrition policies and financing. He stated that the Assembly would work to ensure that relevant policies are adopted and implemented to improve child nutrition and welfare across the state.
Also speaking at the workshop, Philomena Irene, UNICEF’s Nutrition Specialist from the Bauchi Field Office, said the objective of the meeting was to discuss strategies for strengthening multi-sectoral investment in nutrition. She said the initiative aims to promote stronger partnerships among the legislature, government agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations.
Chairperson of the Adamawa State Planning Commission, Mary Padinga expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its ongoing support.
She noted that the steps being taken are intentional, aimed at establishing sound policy frameworks backed by legislation to reinforce the fight against malnutrition in the state.
