Taraba State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma, has said the governor Agbu Kefas led administration plans to pay N100 million counterpart fund to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to combat severe malnutrition among children in the state.
The sum of US$3.4 under the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), was said to have been set aside by UNICEF to tackle severe malnutrition, especially among those aged 6-23 months across the country.
In an exclusive interview with The Guardian in Jalingo, the commissioner reiterated the readiness of the government to key into the fund.
Buma disclosed that the government intends to engage children friendly agency, as soon as the plans are concluded.
The commissioner who acknowledged that the process of keying into the fund is slow, said the state has started the necessary steps to engage with the relevant agencies, stating that “We need to contact the relevant agency before making the move.”
Recent reports indicated that one in four children in Taraba does not receive the minimum dietary requirements essential for proper growth, hence the urgent need for the state government to act.
Health experts, particularly nutritionists, who spoke with our correspondent on the fund highlighted the CNF as a crucial opportunity for the state government to address the severe nutrition challenges facing children, especially those aged 6-23 months.
They advocated a proactive investment of a N100 million matching grant to the UNICEF initiative, suggesting it would go a long way in preventing the resurgence of malnutrition rather than just treating its consequences.
Speaking on the fund, a nutrition specialist at UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Philomena Irene, noted that if the state contributes N100 million, UNICEF would.as well match the amount with another N100 million .
She emphasized that the primary goal of the fund is to ensure the availability of foods rich in essential minerals and vitamins, which accourding to her, is essential for children’s health.
The fund if provided, she said, would also be use in the procurement of necessary supplements for children aged 6-23 months and provide multiple micronutrient supplements to pregnant women, thereby enhancing pregnancy outcomes and reducing anemia.
Irene said the initiative will facilitate the purchase of ready-to-eat therapeutic food for severely malnourished children plans to reach millions of children and women annually by 2030.
