Civil Society Scaling-up Nutrition in Nigeria, known as CS-SUNN, along with the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), have urged for the prompt allocation of funds for malnutrition and the establishment of a six-month maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers.
This appeal was voiced by Amb. Ibrahim Tudu, the Team Lead of CS-SUNN in Abuja, during an advocacy visit to the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, located at the State Secretariat in Dutse.
He mentioned that the purpose of the advocacy visit was to seek the agency’s assistance in ensuring the timely allocation of the nutrition budget and the implementation of six months’ maternity leave for nursing mothers.
Amb. Tudu emphasized that malnutrition significantly impacts the lives of children and the nation as a whole, highlighting the necessity for a united effort to address this issue.
He stated, “Jigawa State is experiencing one of the most critical nutrition crises in Nigeria, which poses a threat to its human capital and long-term economic growth.”
“While there has been a notable improvement with a 9% reduction in the stunting rate from 64% to 55.7%, further collaborative efforts are essential to combat this issue and safeguard the future of our children,” Amb. Tudu added.
In response, Dr. Shehu Sambo, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Agency, reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to lowering the malnutrition rate within the state.
“Jigawa State consistently leads other states in nutrition initiatives; thus, this visit will enhance the state government’s commitment.”
Previously, Comrade Shuaibu Musa Kafin-Gana, the Chairman of CS-SUNN in Jigawa State, mentioned that the visit also aimed to advocate for extending maternity leave from three months to six months, alongside a budget increase and the timely release of funds designated for malnutrition to help alleviate the crisis.
He praised the State House of Assembly for allocating N300 million for the purchase of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).
He recommended that the State Assembly cease sending funds to the State Ministry of Health for the direct acquisition of RUTF. Instead, he suggested that the funds should be sent directly to UNICEF to take advantage of counterpart funding and guarantee the timely delivery of RUTF to the state.
He explained, “When the total amount of N300m from the State House of Assembly and N250m from state executive contributions is combined, totaling N550m and sent to UNICEF, it means we will receive RUTF valued at N1.1 billion.”
He emphasized that this funding will play a crucial role in decreasing the number of malnourished children throughout the state.
