Katsina, UNICEF Commit N1bn to Tackle Child Malnutrition

Child Malnutrition

In a bold step toward addressing the rising crisis of child malnutrition, the Katsina State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have jointly committed N1 billion to improve nutrition and health outcomes across the state.

This significant funding marks a renewed focus on primary healthcare, especially among vulnerable children and nursing mothers suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

Malnutrition remains one of the most pressing public health concerns in northern Nigeria. In Katsina, where conflict and poverty continue to strain health systems, the implications are life-threatening.

According to the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, the state government will contribute N500 million to the fight, while UNICEF will match this amount bringing the total to N1 billion in the 2025 fiscal year.

“This commitment reflects Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s dedication to saving lives and prioritizing the welfare of children across all 34 LGAs,” Dr. Yahaya said during a planning session of the 2025 SMART Nutrition Survey in Katsina.

To tackle the crisis head-on, the government and UNICEF have already distributed over 7,000 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and supplementary nutrition food worth over N400 million.

This therapeutic food is designed for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, offering high-calorie, vitamin-rich meals that restore nutritional balance and support rapid recovery.

Outpatient Therapeutic Feeding Centres (OTPs) have also been established in strategic locations including Daura, Mai’Adua, Zango, Baure, and Sandamu, ensuring families in remote areas can access life-saving interventions.

But it’s not just about emergency care. The state is also developing a multi-sectoral plan that includes:

• Immediate interventions (food distribution and treatment)

• Intermediate goals (public education and health worker training)

• Long-term strategies (infrastructure development and food security)

Yahaya revealed that since 2016, 14 local governments have been contributing N250,000 monthly an estimated N3.5 million annually toward child and maternal nutrition. However, due to limited reach and rising cases, this new N1bn plan is expected to scale impact significantly.

Despite the progress, serious challenges remain. Dr. Yahaya condemned the unethical behavior of certain health workers and caregivers who were reportedly reselling the RUTF on the black market instead of administering it to malnourished children.

“This practice is dangerous and unacceptable. Anyone found selling these therapeutic foods will face the full wrath of the law,” he warned.

He emphasized that RUTF is not a commodity, it is a lifesaving product, and its misuse could cost lives.

The SMART Survey (Standardised Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transition) is designed to offer clear, evidence-based insight into the current state of nutrition in Katsina.

Yahaya said the survey will help the government understand the severity, scope, and root causes of the crisis and guide future investments.

“We need this data to make the right decisions, especially as we plan for the next fiscal year,” he added.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Mr. Niyi Oyedokun, praised the government for taking ownership of the initiative and demonstrating leadership.

“This survey is not just UNICEF's work. Katsina State is fully involved financially, logistically, and politically. The state is taking responsibility, which is commendable,” he said.

Oyedokun noted that the support for the program was also funded by the former United States Agency for International Development (USAID), reinforcing the global solidarity around addressing child malnutrition in Nigeria.

He added that over $100,000 has already been invested by UNICEF for the implementation and support of SMART surveys across the state.

This partnership is expected to yield major gains for both Katsina and Nigeria as a whole:

1. Improved Child Survival Rates

Early treatment of malnutrition directly reduces child mortality rates, especially in rural communities where health access is limited.

2. Economic Benefit

Healthy children mean fewer healthcare burdens, higher school attendance, and long-term gains in human capital.

3. Increased Global Support

Partnerships with organizations like UNICEF and USAID demonstrate Katsina’s commitment to development, encouraging more international aid and investment.

4. A Model for Other States

Katsina could become a case study for other Nigerian states facing similar health crises showing that local leadership and global cooperation can save lives.

The N1 billion commitment by the Katsina State Government and UNICEF is more than a budget line it’s a lifeline for thousands of malnourished children. It sends a clear message: No child in Katsina should die from hunger.

By combining policy, partnership, and compassion, this initiative sets a new standard in Nigeria’s fight against malnutrition. But continued success depends on transparency, accountability, and sustained support from all stakeholders.