Bauchi, UNICEF Invest N1bn to Combat Child Malnutrition

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Bauchi State Government have announced a joint investment of N1 billion to address child malnutrition through the Child Nutrition Fund in 2026. This initiative was highlighted during the flag-off of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week in Bauchi.

Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, stated that the state has allocated N500 million as counterpart funding, with UNICEF matching this amount.

Governor Bala Mohammed has been commended for his support of nutrition programs, including the approval of six months of paid maternity leave for mothers. Despite over 90% of mothers in Bauchi breastfeeding, only 26% practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

Dr. Rafique emphasized the importance of the first 1,000 days for a child's development and warned against introducing water or other substances to infants before six months, as this can lead to malnutrition and increased child mortality.