Gombe State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali, has revealed that the state food and nutrition policy is under scrutiny by the State Executive Council with a view to make it address the rising rate of child malnutrition.
The commissioner stated this when he received the Gombe State Coordinator, Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Mrs Comfort Mukollo and her team who paid an advocacy visit on the need to step up the fight against malnutrition in the state.
Baba Alkali particularly noted the rising rate of child malnutrition of the state from his personal findings which he described as alarming. But assured that it is cognizant of the situation, the Governor directed all line ministries, especially Agriculture, Health among others to study the food and nutrition policy with the aim of upgrading it to address the current challenges.
He assured that the State Executive Council will approve it following the kind of interest exhibited by the Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
According to the commissioner, the administration is committed to the improvement of the nutrition status of children in the state which is 67 to 70 percent, based on his findings.
“69 to 70 percent is a serious case for concern. Whatever it is, we will assist, especially in this ministry. Government will implement all proposals. Our future ( that is children) is involved, reason why the government is taking the issue seriously and the governor has directed all line ministries to sit with us”, the commissioner stated.
The Chairman, Food and Nutrition Committee of the state who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning, Alhaji Jalo Ibrahim Ali, admitted that the issue of malnutrition in the state is getting out of hand but said deliberate efforts must be put to stem the tide.
He expressed happiness over the advocacy visit which he described as timely, coming at the end of the year when the Food and Nutrition Committee will be having its fourth quarter meeting.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of CS-SUNN, Mrs Comfort Mukollo, said the purpose of the visit was to appeal to the government to expedite release of funds to tackle malnutrition among under five (5) children in Gombe State.
Mukollo said, “We are writing to urgently advocate for the swift release of funds allocated to address the critical issue of malnutrition among under five (5) children in Gombe State.
“The prevalence of malnutrition among our youngest and most vulnerable population demands immediate attention and decisive action.
“The timely release of funds is essential to implement targeted interventions and programmes aimed at preventing and managing malnutrition cases effectively”, she said.
Commenting on the alarming malnutrition rate in Gombe State, Mrs Mukollo said, “Recent reports have highlighted the distressing rates of malnutrition among under five (5) children in Gombe State, posing a severe threat to their health and overall well-being”
She called for timely intervention by the government through expedited release of funds to facilitate the implementation of vital initiatives including nutrition programmes, healthcare interventions, procurement of essential supplies, and capacity-building for healthcare professionals.
“This urgent action is critical in ensuring the timely implementation of essential programmes that will safeguard the health and future of our young citizens.
“Your prompt attention and commitment to this pressing issue will significantly impact the lives of our children and contribute to building a healthier and more resilient community in Gombe State.
“We are available and willing to provide any further information or support required to facilitate the prompt release of these crucial funds”, Mrs Mukollo stressed.
