UNICEF Bauchi nutrition aid worth N600m supports treatment of malnutrition in children as the state government pledges increased funding

The United Nations Children’s Fund has delivered UNICEF Bauchi nutrition aid worth about N600 million to the Bauchi State Government to support the treatment and prevention of malnutrition among children.

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The supplies, handed over on Saturday, include Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food and Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements procured through the Child Nutrition Fund.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, said the intervention comprised 4,562 cartons of therapeutic food and 15,419 cartons of nutrient supplements aimed at tackling both severe and moderate malnutrition.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique described the situation in Bauchi as alarming, noting that the state remains among those with a high burden of child malnutrition.

“Bauchi is among the states with the highest prevalence of malnutrition. About 16 per cent of children aged six months to three years are undernourished,” Dr Nuzhat Rafique said, stressing the need for improved household nutrition practices alongside medical interventions.

The UNICEF official explained that the commodities were procured through a matching grant arrangement, with the Bauchi State Government contributing N300 million and the Child Nutrition Fund providing a corresponding amount, bringing the total value to N600 million.

She also raised concern over conditions in internally displaced persons camps, revealing that a recent assessment in Kashere found more than 80 per cent of children malnourished, many of whom were also anaemic and in urgent need of care.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique called for swift mobilisation of additional resources, noting that at least 200 cartons of therapeutic food and 100 cartons of nutrient supplements would be required to address immediate needs in the camp.

The UNICEF representative commended the Bauchi State Government for pledging N500 million for child nutrition interventions in 2026, expressing optimism that the contribution would be matched to expand access to life-saving supplies.

Receiving the items on behalf of the government, Governor Bala Mohammed assured that the commodities would be effectively deployed to combat severe acute malnutrition among children.

Represented by Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau, Bala Mohammed said the therapeutic food would be used to treat children aged six to 59 months, while the nutrient supplements would help prevent malnutrition among younger children.

The governor described the donation as a strong demonstration of UNICEF’s commitment to improving child health and strengthening its partnership with the state.

He added that the intervention aligns with Bauchi’s broader efforts to enhance primary healthcare services, particularly in maternal and child health, nutrition and immunisation.

Bala Mohammed also reiterated the state’s commitment to increasing investment in the health sector in line with the Abuja Declaration, which recommends allocating at least 15 per cent of annual budgets to health.

To ensure accountability, the governor directed relevant agencies to establish a monitoring committee for the proper distribution and utilisation of the supplies, ensuring they reach the intended beneficiaries.

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The UNICEF Bauchi nutrition aid is expected to provide critical relief for thousands of vulnerable children, as stakeholders intensify efforts to confront one of the state’s most pressing public health challenges.