Katsina Invests N1.7bn to Combat Child Malnutrition

The Katsina State Government has announced an investment of N1.7 billion aimed at tackling malnutrition among children, as disclosed by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda during the opening of a workshop organized by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria in Katsina. The investment is part of a broader commitment to improve child survival and public health outcomes in the state.

Radda described malnutrition as one of the greatest public health challenges facing the state and emphasized the importance of education and community participation in addressing this issue. The government plans to establish nine Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP) centers to cater to children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, with an additional N700 million allocated for counterpart funding.

The governor also highlighted ongoing health sector reforms, including the upgrade of 268 primary health centers at a cost of N26.7 billion and the recruitment of nearly 800 healthcare workers. Furthermore, the state has distributed 90,000 bags of food commodities to vulnerable households and provided agricultural support to enhance food security.