$15m Required to Combat Malnutrition in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has estimated that $15 million is needed to improve living conditions in Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States. UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, Christian Munduate, shared this during a news briefing in Gusau on Wednesday after an interactive session with stakeholders at Gidanwada Model Primary School in Bungudu Local Government Area. Munduate emphasized the need for the governors of the three states to provide matching grants to address socioeconomic challenges and enhance the quality of life for their citizens. She expressed concern over the high rate of malnutrition among children and nursing mothers in the region. Highlighting the issue of open defecation, Munduate noted it as a significant contributor to disease outbreaks, which could undermine progress in combating polio in the states. She stressed the importance of ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, and nutrition for children, mothers, and other citizens. Munduate also called on the states to collaborate with partners and stakeholders to tackle these pressing challenges and improve the welfare of their people. Alarming Statistics Munduate revealed that Northern Nigeria is home to at least 5.5 million children suffering from severe and acute malnutrition. Additionally, she stated that over 40 million Nigerians engage in open defecation, a practice linked to numerous disease outbreaks. Ongoing Support UNICEF, in partnership with the Federal and Zamfara State Governments, has supported 50 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs), all of which are operational. “These PHCs are functional, and we are confident they can continue to meet the needs of the people. We will remain available to provide technical support for sustainability,” Munduate assured. She urged stronger partnerships with stakeholders to address the pressing needs of children, mothers, and communities in the three states and beyond.