Katsina State and UNICEF Commit Additional N1 Billion to Combat Malnutrition

Strategic Insights -

As the worst-hit part of the state grapples with the severe impact of malnutrition, the Katsina government and UNICEF have committed to providing an additional N1 billion to address acute malnutrition cases. Between January and June 2025, reports indicate that 650 children lost their lives due to malnutrition, despite the efforts of the state government and other stakeholders to curb the problem. The commitment of N1 billion is expected to make a significant difference in the fight against malnutrition in the state.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Katsina government and UNICEF will provide N500 million each in the 2025 fiscal year to address malnutrition cases.
  • Since the inception of the present administration, the state government has prioritized healthcare delivery, particularly primary healthcare and the welfare of children.
  • The state government has been contributing N250,000 monthly to 14 local government councils since 2016 to attenuate malnutrition amongst children and breastfeeding mothers.
  • The SMART survey meeting is crucial for sensitizing stakeholders and to provide an opportunity for the Katsina State government to take the leadership of the conduct of the exercise.
  • UNICEF is supporting the government by funding the SMART Survey and contributing both financially and facilities to the cause.
  • The coming year will see the state government and UNICEF providing a combined N1 billion to address acute malnutrition in Katsina State.

Statistics:

  • Between January and June 2025, 650 children died from malnutrition.
  • The prevalence of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in the Mashi Local Government Area is a major concern.
  • Since 2016, 14 local government councils have been contributing N250,000 monthly, amounting to N3.5 million to combat malnutrition.
  • The Katsina State Government and UNICEF have committed N1 billion (N500 million from each) to address acute malnutrition in the state for the 2025 fiscal year.

Sources:

  • UNICEF and Katsina government
  • Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya
  • UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Niyi Oyedokun