As part of efforts to be in line with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) recommended standards, the Niger state government has launched the Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition to end malnutrition especially among babies across the state.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso said the step is timely as it will also check some child related diseases.
He said at the public presentation/launching of the Niger State Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (NSMPAFN) which took place in Minna that, the present administration, he said is aware of the need to work with development partners such as the UNICEF, CS-SUNN and other relevant stakeholders to attain desired objectives of ending malnutrition I order to lay strong foundation for improved living standards.
While commending UNICEF and CS-SUNN for contributing to the; health, education, agriculture, information and water resources as components to improving nutrition, the Governor said the state is doing all that is within its powers to meet its nutritional needs.
He assured that his administration would pay needed attention to the integration and use of resources as well ensure adequate budgetary provision and timely release of funds for nutrition interventions.
Earlier in her address, the Executive Secretary CS-SUNN, Mrs. Beatrice Eluaka commended the efforts of the state government for the malnourished and the need to check the trend.
Eluaka further explained that Niger state is the third after Nasarawa and Kaduna state to launch the Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition out of the seven states that has shown commitments to ending malnutrition across the country.