Investing in the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), as observed by health experts, especially nutritionists, will no doubt present a crucial opportunity for the Taraba state government to address the severe nutrition challenges presently confronting children in the state, particularly those aged 6-23 months.
The CNF, which is estimated at US$3.4 billion, is said to have been set aside by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), for the sole purpose of combating child wasting in Taraba, Nigeria at large.
At the time of filing this report, the Daily Post gathered that one in four children in Taraba does not receive the minimum dietary requirements essential for proper growth.
The alarming statistic, according to experts, has no doubt underscores the urgent need for the state government under the leadership of Governor Agbu Kefas, to as a matter of urgency key into the CNF.
Nutrition experts spread across the state who spoke with our reporter expressed dismay at the alleged government’s delay in committing the much-desired fund to the CNF.
They also emphasized that a proactive investment of a N100 million matching grant to the child-friendly initiative will go a long way in preventing the resurgence of malnutrition rather than just treating its consequences.
Philomena Irene, a Nutrition Specialist at UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, who took her time to explain the numerous benefits of the CNF, said “If the state government contributes N100 million, UNICEF will match this amount with another N100 million”.
The primary goal of the fund, according to her is to ensure the availability of foods rich in diverse minerals and vitamins, which as affirmed by her, are essential for children’s health.
Irene who was of the view that the fund would allow the procurement of necessary supplements for children aged 6-23 months, further stated that it will also be expanded to provide multiple micronutrient supplements to pregnant women, enhancing pregnancy outcomes and reducing anaemia.
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She further pointed out that the initiative, if urgently key, will be a win-win situation for the government, affirming that “by investing in child nutrition, the government can secure substantial returns in terms of healthier, more capable future generations.”
Announcing that the fund would also facilitate the purchase of ready-to-eat therapeutic food for severely malnourished children, UNICEF, as made known by Irene, is committed to reaching at least 350 million children and women annually by 2030.
Citing the neighbouring state of Adamawa and other states in the Bauchi field office, that have already committed their N100 million matching grants, Irene highlighted the importance of state participation and beckoned the Taraba state government to as a matter of urgency take a cue.
Investing in the CNF, according to her, is not just necessary, but also a smart choice for the state government to get a very huge return where children’s potential as stated by her, is fully fulfilled.
