KANO STATE GRAPPLES WITH MALNUTRITION EPIDEMIC: OVER 2 MILLION CHILDREN AFFECTED
Kano, Nigeria – A staggering 2 million children under the age of five in Kano state are suffering from stunting due to malnutrition, according to a recent report by UNICEF. The crisis has sparked concerns among health experts and government officials, who are working to address the issue.
The report reveals that approximately 56.9% of children under five in Kano are affected by stunting, with more than half a million children under five years old affected by wasting, including over 120,000 severely wasted with a high risk of mortality.
In response to the crisis, the Kano state government has developed a State Food and Nutrition Policy and a five-year multisectoral strategic plan of action for nutrition. Quarterly coordination meetings are also being held through the State Committee on Food and Nutrition.
UNICEF is supporting the state government’s efforts by developing an annual nutrition operational plan, scaling up Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women, and providing adequate quantities of Vitamin A capsules for children.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including the need for adequate funding, procurement of sufficient quantities of deworming tablets, and provision of Ready Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) for treatment of children with severe wasting.
The situation highlights the need for sustained commitment and resources to address the root causes of malnutrition and ensure the well-being of Kano’s most vulnerable citizens – its children.
