In a move to address the malnutrition emergency in Sokoto State, the Federal Government has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund.
A high-level delegation from UNICEF, the European Union, Médecins Sans Frontières and the Federal Government arrived in Sokoto on Saturday to advocate for urgent intervention and increased funding.
Headed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nantewa Yilwatda, the mission was to galvanise support for tackling the alarming rise in Severe Acute Malnutrition in the state.
He recalled his childhood experience as an Internally Displaced Person, stating that malnutrition and insecurity were closely linked.
Prof. Yilwatda lauded the collaboration between the state and humanitarian partners and stressed the need for durable solutions rooted in local capacity.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the state Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, the UNICEF Country Representative acknowledged Sokoto’s commitment, particularly the allocation of N500m to combat malnutrition.
On its part, the UNICEF pledged N1.5bn in counter-funding, but emphasised the urgency of adopting local, sustainable strategies.
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, also commended the state’s efforts and reiterated the EU’s resolve to support vulnerable children, especially those facing life-threatening malnutrition.
Responding, Governor Aliyu expressed appreciation to development partners and pledged sustained political will to end malnutrition in Sokoto.
The delegation also visited the Sokoto State Specialist Hospital, where they witnessed firsthand the toll SAM was taking on children and health workers.
Health officials warned that supplies of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food, an essential treatment for malnourished children, may run out by September, calling for expansion of stabilisation centres, establishment of new centres in rural areas, as well as immediate clearance of over 30 containers of RUTF currently stuck at Nigerian ports.