Concerned groups in Niger State are pressing for more robust government intervention and improved funding to tackle the escalating rates of child malnutrition. During an advocacy tour of 25 local government councils, the Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), headed by Dr. Aisha Wakaso, highlighted the urgency of the situation.
Reports indicate that 43.9 percent of children in the region suffer from stunting, a statistic that officials described as alarming. Leaders from Bida, Katcha, and Munya local government areas vowed to prioritize child health. Munya Chairman Aminu Najume noted that improved security has allowed for better care of children in vulnerable communities, while Dr. Isah Baba Bida of Katcha and Manko Mohammed of Bida announced the creation of nutrition committees to protect local youth.
Ambrose Evhoesor, the Project Manager for CS-SUNN, urged local officials to take charge of nutrition initiatives rather than relying exclusively on outside support. Dr. Wakaso further emphasized that the state must increase budgetary provisions and ensure that funds are managed effectively to reach children in need. Representatives from other states added that promoting exclusive breastfeeding is essential to preventing developmental issues in early childhood.
