UNICEF Calls for Child Nutrition Focus in Bauchi Budgets

Dr Nuzhat Rafique, the Chief of Field Office in Bauchi for UNICEF, has called on state and local governments to prioritize child nutrition in their planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for the 2027 budget. This appeal was made during a two-day advocacy meeting organized by UNICEF for newly elected local government chairpersons and nutrition officers.

The meeting aimed to familiarize these officials with the nutritional challenges affecting children in their councils and the broader subregion. Dr Rafique emphasized the necessity of addressing the high prevalence of malnutrition among children in the North-East, stating that adequate planning and resource allocation are crucial for tackling these issues.

She highlighted that the recent changes in local government leadership necessitated sensitization on the severity of child malnutrition and the importance of incorporating nutrition interventions into development plans.