By Talatu Maiwada
The Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria has urged Adamawa Government to invest N9 billion as counterpart funding to address child malnutrition in the state.
Mr Sodangi Chindo, Chairman, Steering Committee of CS-SUNN, made the call in a press statement titled “Investing in Nutrition Now”, on Saturday, in Yola.
Chindo said the state could leverage counterpart funding opportunities to access double the value of its investment, reducing required funding from N18 billion to N9 billion.
“The government should maximise the counterpart funding opportunities of getting double the value of investments made on child nutrition.
“In this regard, Adamawa state government will need to invest only N9 billion to address child malnutrition instead of the required N18 billion,” he said.
He described malnutrition as a critical public health challenge in Adamawa, with stunting at 48.6 per cent, wasting at seven per cent, and underweight at 32.5 per cent.
According to him, the situation threatens child survival, learning outcomes, workforce productivity and long-term economic growth in the state.
He noted that global evidence shows timely investments in maternal and child nutrition, especially within the first 1,000 days, yield high returns in health and productivity.
Chindo said CS-SUNN, with support from UNICEF, is implementing a project to scale up quality nutrition services in Adamawa.
He added that the initiative supports implementation of the Adamawa State Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (ASMPFAN).
Chindo called for full operationalisation of ASMPFAN, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and improved coordination down to Local Government Areas(LGAs).
The chairman also called for sustainable domestic financing, timely release of funds, and efficient utilisation of nutrition budgets across relevant sectors.
He urged government to extend paid maternity leave from three to six months to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve child survival.
He appealed to the media to prioritise evidence-based reporting on nutrition and hold duty-bearers accountable for budget commitments and results.
He encouraged the private sector to invest in food fortification, affordable nutritious foods, and adopt breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies.
Chindo further urged civil society organisations to sustain advocacy, mobilise communities, and align interventions with state nutrition priorities.
He commended government, development partners, media and civil society for their support, stressing that investing in nutrition would save lives and secure Adamawa’s economic future.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Tosin Kolade
