Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Bauchi State Government to promptly release its pledged N200 million contribution to the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), a matching grant initiative designed to address severe malnutrition among children in the state.
Governor Bala Mohammed had earlier committed N200 million to the fund, while local governments collectively contributed N100 million, which has already been disbursed. If the state fulfills its pledge, malnourished children in Bauchi stand to benefit from N600 million worth of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and other essential supplements.
Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF’s Bauchi Chief of Field Office, commended local government chairmen for their proactive role in child welfare but stressed the urgency of the state’s financial commitment to unlock the full CNF grant.
The funds will procure RUTF and Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS), critical supplies for treating and preventing malnutrition in early childhood.
Mahmood Babamaji, Chairman of Bauchi LGA and ALGON State Chair, reaffirmed the councils’ dedication to child health, vowing to integrate malnutrition prevention into the 2026 budget. He cited UNICEF’s advocacy efforts, including a recent meeting in Jos, which highlighted alarming malnutrition indicators across LGAs.
Babamaji emphasized the collective resolve with the state government to prioritize malnutrition interventions, ensuring adequate budgetary allocations to eliminate gaps in child nutrition programs.
The timely release of the pledged funds is expected to significantly enhance Bauchi’s capacity to combat malnutrition and safeguard the health of vulnerable children.
