By Auwal Mohammed,
Gombe (Nigeria) — In an effort to curb malnutrition, Gombe state government in northeast Nigeria has flag-off its Food and Nutrition Policy, and a five-year work plan on malnutrition programme in the state.
The policy and the 5-year implementation plan was developed by the state government with support from Save the Children International, who provided technical and financial resources.
Investigation reveals that from January to December 2016, a total of 13,059 children (6,483 males and 6,570 females) aged 6 – 59 months were admitted in health facilities, out of which 11,031 were treated, 833 defaulted, 149 non-recovered and 105 died.
From January to June this year 6,330 malnourished children were admitted, 4,470 treated, 25 deaths while 101 defaulted.
Speaking at the flag-off, State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mohammed Danladi Pantami, said, malnutrition remained a great challenge particularly for mothers and children, adding the NDHS 2013 has revealed that half of million children death each year, or about one out of every 2 child deaths in the country are as a result of malnutrition.
Malnutrition statistics given by the NDHS 2013, which northeast has 43.5 percent and the state has the highest rate, he said that the government seeing the need to address the situation and prevent it.
He however said, “Throughout the years of our developmental efforts, Gombe state and Nigeria have undergone remarkable challenge, where more children are surviving, the economy is growing, girls are better educated, more children are completing school and mothers attending pre and post-natal care”, he said.
Mr. Pantami said Federal government has set up National Council on Food and Nutrition chaired by the Vice President, and National Committee on Food and Nutrition which is coordinated by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning for strengthened multi-sectoral approach to the malnutrition issues in Nigeria
He urged all the line ministries and agencies to ensure that they capture their sectoral interventions in their respective annual budgets and make sure that they also apply to secure the release of the funds for implementation of these interventions.
