Kwara State and UNICEF Join Forces to Combat Childhood Malnutrition

Strategic Insights -

In the face of a mounting crisis of childhood poverty in Nigeria, where two out of every three children suffer from malnutrition, the Kwara State government and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) are teaming up to take bold action. The partnership aims to promote exclusive breastfeeding, improve immunization coverage, and ensure safe childbirth practices to reduce infant and maternal mortality. According to UNICEF's Chief of Child Nutrition Development, Ms. Nemat Hajeebhoy, "Breast milk provides essential nutrients and protection against illness, helping children grow healthier and smarter."

Key Takeaways:

  • The UNICEF chief highlighted that 31 million Nigerians face food insecurity, with two out of every three children suffering from malnutrition, a crisis that persists despite Nigeria's growing economy.
  • The Kwara State government, in partnership with UNICEF, is committed to stepping up efforts to combat child malnutrition and improve health outcomes for its youngest citizens.
  • The promotion of exclusive breastfeeding during the critical first 1,000 days of life is crucial for physical growth and cognitive development.
  • Ms. Hajeebhoy stressed the importance of clean water, sanitation, and open defecation-free communities to prevent disease and promote overall child health.
  • The state government is implementing initiatives such as ongoing promotion of exclusive breastfeeding through supportive maternity leave policies that allow civil servants six months to nurture their infants.
  • All Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara State have pledged to prioritize children's health and take ownership of nutrition programs.
  • The association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kwara promised to back the partnership between UNICEF and the state government.

Statistics:

  • 31 million Nigerians face food insecurity.
  • Two out of every three children suffer from malnutrition in Nigeria.
  • Nigeria is ranked second only to India in the global burden of malnourished children.
  • One-third of Nigerian children suffer from stunting, wasting, or overweight due to malnutrition.
  • The critical first 1,000 days of life is a window when optimal nutrition is crucial for physical growth and cognitive development.

Sources:

  • Chief of Child Nutrition Development, Ms. Nemat Hajeebhoy, of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
  • Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam
  • Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kwara
  • Kwara State government press release