The Chief of Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Sokoto State, Mr. Mohammad Mohiuddin, on Tuesday said at least 40,099 children currently suffer from severe acute malnutrition in the state.
Speaking at a one-day seminar for media practitioners in the state, Mohiuddin said such children with severe acute malnutrition were in dire need of treatment.
He stated that children with acute malnutrition were at increased risk of dying compared to those without the problem in the state.
“Malnourished children have lowered resistance to infection and likely to die from common childhood illnesses.
“Poor nutritional status in first two years can lead to stunting, which is irreversible and is associated with impaired cognitive ability and reduce school and work performance in life,” he said.
Mohiuddin noted that malnutrition remains a public health problem in Nigeria, especially in the North compared to the Southern part of the country.
He attributed the rising case of severe acute malnutrition in Sokoto State, to lack of budget line for funding nutrition interventions at local government levels.
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According to him, state budgeted funds for nutrition programmes had not been released last year and in 2015, coupled with insufficient numbers of trained workers to provide health and nutrition services. He said UNICEF had provided nutrition interventions in the state, through policy, advocacy and coordination which led to increase in state funding for nutrient activities.
He said the aim of the seminar was to enable media create awareness among the population on the importance of good nutrition for all age groups.
Mohiuddin charged the media to advocate with state and local government areas to provide adequate funding for nutrition interventions and supplies.
“The media has an important role to play in this regard, that is why this seminar is meant to strengthen how we can work together to change the situation of children and women in the state,” Mohiuddin added.
By: Mohammed Aminu
This Day news
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