UNICEF, BASG Collaborate Against Malnutrition

By Usman Walin Gungura, Bauchi

Following strong collaboration between Bauchi state Government and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Bauchi State Government on Saturday 14th March 2026, received from Child Nutrition Fund, under the care of (UNICEF), a consignment of
over 4,562 cartons of Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) and 15,419 cartons of Small Quantity Lipid Based Nutrient Supplements (SQLNS) for the treatment and prevention of malnutrition among children.

The handover Ceremony which took place at the BSADP Bauçhi, saw Governor Bala Mohammed speaking through his Deputy Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, where he said the state government is committed to reducing malnutrition and childhood morbidity and mortality.

He explained that Bauchi state government has contributed N300 million to the Child Nutrition Fund in 2025 , and vows to improve it to N500 million this year.

Governor Bala Mohammed added that the government has also allocated 15% and above of the total state budget to the health sector, in line with the Abuja declaration.

He commended UNICEF for it support and prudence, including other partners and therefore directed the Primary Health Care Board to monitor the distribution and utilization of the nutrition supplements.

He informed that the state government has released over N872 million as counterpart funds into the PHC MOU Basket fund account, and is committed to fulfilling its obligations to improve the health of women and children in Bauchi State.

In his well Come address, the Bauchi state Commissioner of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, informed that the provision of the RUTF and the SQLNS marked a milestone in the state’s efforts to combat malnutrition and reduce maternal mortality.

He said Bauchi State is grappling with alarming rates of malnutrition, with 61.7% of children under five stunted, 5.2% wasted, and 68.6% of women aged 15-49 suffering from anaemia.

While expressing delight for the official handing over ceremony of the ready to use therapeutic food and small quantity lipid base nutrients supplement (RUTF & SQ- LNS) for the prevention and treatment of malnutrition in 6- 59 month, commended UNICEF and other development partners for their support and assured that Bauchi state government is committed to improving the nutritional status of women and children.

Our Correspondent who covered the ceremony reports that UNICEF officially handed over 4,562 Cartons of ready to use therapeutic foods and 15,419 Cartons of small quantity lipid based nutrients supplement including nutrition commodities supplies, and trained 601 health care workers to deliver the services across selected health facilities in the State.