CS-SUNN, UNICEF urge Zamfara govt to increase investment in nutrition
By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
Sunday emphasized that investing in nutrition would save lives, restore productivity, strengthen resilience, and secure the economic future of Zamfara State.
The Executive Secretary of (CS-SUNN), Mr. Okoronkwo Sunday, has called on the Zamfara State government to increase investment in nutrition in order to scale up quality nutrition services across the state.
Sunday made the call during a media roundtable held in Gusau, the state capital.
He said malnutrition remains a critical public health and development emergency in the state despite its vast agricultural and human potential, noting that recent evidence shows a worsening nutrition crisis.
According to him, the rate of stunting in the state has risen sharply from 50.8 percent in 2018 to 64.2 percent based on the (NDHS) 2023 report. He added that underweight prevalence has increased to 44.3 percent, while wasting among children also remains a major concern.
Sunday further disclosed that about 84 percent of children under the age of five are anaemic, while 35.6 percent of women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia.
He explained that the alarming trend is worsened by food insecurity, displacement caused by insecurity, low exclusive breastfeeding rates of about 35 percent, and limited access to skilled maternal healthcare services. He noted that only 10.8 percent of births in the state are attended by skilled health personnel.
“These factors undermine child survival, learning outcomes, workforce productivity, and the long-term economic stability of the state,” he said.
Sunday stressed that investing in nutrition is not optional but a strategic economic and security imperative.
He noted that CS-SUNN, with support from the (UNICEF), is implementing a project titled “Increased Investment in Nutrition to Scale Up Quality Nutrition Services in Zamfara State.”
As part of the initiative, the Zamfara State chapter of CS-SUNN convened the media roundtable to catalyze urgent action toward increased nutrition financing and effective implementation of the Zamfara State Multisectoral Plan of Action for Nutrition (MSPAN).
He identified key advocacy priorities to include securing sustainable domestic financing for nutrition, particularly the allocation of at least 0.5 percent of the state budget—approximately ₦2 billion annually—to fully fund the MSPAN.
Sunday emphasized that investing in nutrition would save lives, restore productivity, strengthen resilience, and secure the economic future of Zamfara State.
“With decisive leadership and modest fiscal commitment, Zamfara can turn the tide on malnutrition and build a healthier and more prosperous state for generations to come,” he said.
