In order to check the high rate of malnutrition in Gombe , the State government in conjunction with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has applied new strategy to combat child malnutrition in the State.
Citing the alarming figures from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), Gombe State has high rates of child malnutrition, stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies, and poverty.
Alkali warned that without swift intervention, the situation would deteriorate in the coming years.
The initiative was made public during a two-day workshop on advocacy for improved nutrition, organized by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali, stressed the need for collective action to address the worsening nutritional status of children in the state.
“The statistics are not good, and if nothing is done, the situation will become more complicated. That’s why we’re collaborating with UNICEF and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions,” the commissioner stated.
He emphasized that the Ministry is working closely with NGOs, donor agencies, and development partners to mobilize resources and technical support to improve child nutrition. The Ministry, he added, plays a pivotal role in advising the state government based on socioeconomic indicators.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya was commended for being proactive saying that the 2025 budget already have more allocations for nutrition-related programmes, adding that future budgets would reflect further commitment to combating malnutrition.
Recognizing the local nature of the crisis, the government is engaging all 11 local government chairmen to take responsibility for improving nutrition in their jurisdictions.
The chairmen have reportedly pledged their commitment to enhancing the health and nutritional status of women and children in their communities.
