UNICEF Delivers CNF Foods to Combat Malnutrition in Enugu

On Tuesday, UNICEF handed over cartons of ready-to-use Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) foods to the Enugu State government, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced nutritional interventions in the region. Nemat Jajeebhoi, Chief of Nutrition Section at UNICEF, noted that malnutrition remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, which has the highest number of malnourished children in Africa and the second highest globally.

The prevalence of stunting among children under five increased from 12% in 2013 to 15% in 2024, underscoring the urgency for proven high-impact interventions, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life. Jajeebhoi commended Enugu State for positioning itself as a model in ensuring adequate nutrition for its population and urged the state government to sustain increased budget allocations for nutrition.

Governor Peter Mbah, represented by Deputy Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, acknowledged UNICEF's legendary support for nutrition in the state and reiterated the commitment to enhancing nutritional initiatives.