In a bid to combat malnutrition and improve the nutritional status of its residents, the Gombe State Government has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative with the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The initiative, which involves a significant investment of over N11.1 billion over the next four years, was described as a crucial step towards addressing chronic food poverty in the region.
During the launching/dissemination event of the Gombe State Nutrition Policy and Cost Multi-Sectorial Food and Nutrition Strategic Plan of Action, held in Gombe yesterday, Dr. Tushar Rane, Chief of Field Office for UNICEF Nigeria in Bauchi, lauded the state government’s commitment to tackling malnutrition.
Representing Dr. Rane, Philomena Irene, a nutrition specialist, emphasised the importance of the strategic plan in promoting optimal nutrition, growth, and development for children, adolescents, and women across the state.
The strategic plan outlines the need for a public investment totaling N11,169,423,741.16 over the next four years, with an average annual public investment cost estimated at N2,035,892,400.00. It aims to address the alarming statistics revealed by the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), which highlighted issues such as low rates of exclusive breastfeeding and inadequate dietary diversity among children, as well as high levels of anaemia among women and children.
Dr. Rane expressed optimism that the effective implementation of the Food and Nutrition Policy would help alleviate these nutrition gaps in the state.
He highlighted UNICEF’s support in facilitating the development of the policy, including providing data on nutrition indices and assisting with costing. Additionally, he commended the collaboration between external experts and the state’s technical team in bringing the policy to fruition.
Following the launch of the food and nutrition policy, Dr. Manasseh Daniel Jatau, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, underscored the importance of effective implementation within the specified timeframe.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the success of the initiative and urged all stakeholders to work together to achieve the set targets.
Alhaji Salihu Baba-Alkali, the state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, highlighted the significance of the cost plan in providing strategic options for efficient implementation mechanisms to address malnutrition effectively.
The launch of this ambitious initiative marks a significant milestone in Gombe State’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of its residents, with UNICEF playing a pivotal role in supporting the government’s endeavors.
