UN Children’s Fund To Assist With Worsening Numbers Of Malnourished Children

The Adamawa State Government, in partnership with UNICEF, is tackling the rising rate of child malnutrition in the state. According to UNICEF, child stunting increased from 39.7% in 2018 to 48.6% in 2023, with wasting at 7.0% and underweight children at 32.5%.

These alarming figures have prompted a 3-day workshop aimed at improving nutrition policies, engaging lawmakers, and ensuring local government participation.

The state has suffered from insurgency, which has worsened malnutrition.

As part of efforts to combat this, 100 million naira from the state was matched by UNICEF, bringing in crucial nutrition supplies sourced through its headquarters in Copenhagen.

Lawmakers, local government representatives, and other stakeholders pledged their support and commitment to enacting relevant laws and driving policy implementation at the grassroots level.

Highlights:

• Child stunting in Adamawa rose from 39.7% (2018) to 48.6% (2023) — UNICEF.
• UNICEF 2024 report:
• Wasting: 7.0%
• Underweight children: 32.5%
• 3-day event initiated to address malnutrition through policy reform and legislative engagement.
• Insurgency is cited as a major cause of rising malnutrition.
• 100 million naira from both Adamawa State and UNICEF for nutrition supplies.
• UNICEF reaffirms support; supplies are procured internationally.
• Local and state legislators promise to support and enforce nutrition-focused laws.
• Workshop promotes stakeholder unity and seeks long-term solutions to malnutrition.