The Gombe State Government has launched the distribution of a locally produced complementary food supplement aimed at addressing child malnutrition in the state.
Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, during the program’s launch, described the initiative as a sustainable, homegrown solution to a serious health challenge.
He revealed that the state’s stunting rate is 50.6 percent, with more than 94,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition.
He noted, “The development and certification of this supplement by NAFDAC mark a significant step in our Human Capital Development agenda.”
Jatau further explained that the project is a joint effort involving the Ministries of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, alongside the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) programme.
He noted that over 1,000 students from selected schools were trained to prepare nutritious meals.
Additionally, women were empowered to produce and distribute the supplement, generating both health improvements and economic opportunities.
Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari, the Commissioner for Education, stated that more than 200 women and 300 secondary school students have already been trained in producing the supplement, positioning them as key contributors to ending child malnutrition in Gombe State.
