$15m needed to address malnutrition in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara – UNICEF

The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, is sounding the alarm on the severe malnutrition crisis in Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, saying a whopping $15 million is needed to provide quality life for the citizens of these states. According to UNICEF, the governors of these states need to provide matching grants to address the socio-economic challenges and provide quality life for their citizens. The situation is dire, with at least 5.5 million severe and acute malnourished children in Northern Nigeria, and 40 million Nigerians practicing open defecation, which is a major cause of diseases.

In Zamfara alone, 250,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, and the neonatal mortality rate is 42 per 1,000 live births. Only 21.5% of pregnant women attend 4+ antenatal visits, and institutional deliveries stand at a mere 15%. The situation demands immediate action, collaboration, and commitment from the government and stakeholders to address the needs of children, mothers, and the entire population of these states.

UNICEF has already supported 50 Primary Healthcare Centers in collaboration with the Federal and Zamfara Government, and they believe that with the right support, these centers can maintain themselves to serve the people's needs. The organization is urging the government to scale up nutrition interventions, promote child spacing initiatives, and integrate nutrition into primary healthcare services to tackle the underlying challenge of rapid population growth.

https://punchng.com/15m-needed-to-address-malnutrition-in-katsina-sokoto-zamfara-unicef/