Stakeholders decry rising child malnutrition in Niger, call for stronger actions

Stakeholders in Niger State have expressed alarm over the increasing rate of child malnutrition in the region, urging the government to take more decisive action and provide greater financial support. During an advocacy tour by the Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), led by its Niger State representative Dr Aisha Wakaso, representatives from 25 local governments gathered to improve nutrition initiatives.

The speakers highlighted that stunting affects 43.9 percent of children in the state, deeming the issue a critical matter that demands persistent attention at the local level. The leaders of Bida, Katcha, and Munya councils, addressing on behalf of the 25 councils, pledged enhanced dedication to nutrition and committed to bolstering efforts to safeguard vulnerable children within their jurisdictions.

Aminu Najume, Chairman of Munya Local Government, noted that recent improvements in security had reduced the presence of internally displaced persons' camps, ensuring children in affected areas received proper care. Dr Isah Baba Bida, Chairman of Katcha Council, and Manko Mohammed, Chairman of Bida Council, also committed to combating malnutrition, setting up a Nutrition Committee to protect children in their respective communities.

Ambrose Evhoesor, Project Manager of CS-SUNN's National Office, expressed concern about the state's nutrition situation and urged stakeholders to collaborate in reversing the trend. He emphasized the need for the government to take ownership of nutrition programs, noting that development partners would not indefinitely bear the responsibility.

Wakaso called for increased budgetary allocations for nutrition, timely fund disbursement, and proper resource utilization to ensure interventions reach children at the grassroots. Coordinators from Plateau, Enugu, and Delta states, accompanying the team, also advocated for stronger sensitization on exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, warning that poor nutrition in early childhood could significantly impact children's growth and development.