Bauchi, UNICEF Launch Child Malnutrition Prevention Project
By Murtala Muhammad
Bauchi State Government has introduced a new initiative aimed at preventing childhood malnutrition during the crucial first 1,000 days, spanning conception to a child’s second birthday.
The project was launched in Bauchi during an Inception Meeting and is fully funded by the United States Government, with implementation by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria.
Launching the initiative, the State’s Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam, explained that the intervention would significantly reduce malnutrition cases and strengthen child survival across communities.
He emphasised the importance of early-life nutrition, noting that proper care within the first 1,000 days determines long-term growth and overall developmental potential in children.
The Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by Nutrition Specialist Mrs Philomena Irene, highlighted that babies require complete nutrients during this critical developmental window.
She added that adequate nutrition within this period enhances cognitive growth, brain development and lifelong wellbeing, reassuring UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Bauchi State’s child health programmes.
In separate remarks, Executive Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed and the Managing Director of the State Drug and Medical Consumables Management Agency (DMMA), Abdulkadir Ahmed assured transparent and accountable delivery of all commodities to the twenty local government areas of the state.
The Inception Meeting was attended by Deputy Chairmen of the twenty local government areas, three Permanent Secretaries, Mama2Mama support group, Feathers For Good Health, Civil Society Organizations, youth representation, among others.
