Lagos State commits ₦100M to boost child nutrition - NaijaAgroNet

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The Lagos State Government (LSG) has re-approved a ₦100 million fund for child nutrition, a development praised by health advocates as a major win for public health and food security, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The approval, which was announced during a recent breakfast meeting on the adoption of the Child Nutrition Fund, follows advocacy efforts by organizations like the Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN). 

According to Mr. Sunday Okoronkwo, Executive Secretary of CS-SUNN, the fund will be used as a matching grant to procure essential nutritional commodities such as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS).

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Ojo Olayinka-Modupe, highlighted the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to address malnutrition. 

She stressed that while the budget is a crucial step, its success depends on strategic planning and effective implementation across various government ministries.

The funding comes at a critical time, as recent data from the 2022-2024 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) shows a worrying increase in malnutrition rates in Lagos. 

As stated by the survey, wasting has more than doubled, and underweight rates have seen a significant increase.

In a show of support, UNICEF's Nutrition Data Officer in Lagos, Mr. Bolutife Ogunjimi, welcomed the funds, confirming that UNICEF will begin supporting the treatment of severe acute malnutrition in the state. 

The initiative is a key part of the government's plan to reduce malnutrition and improve health outcomes, particularly among women and children.

Remmy Nweke/DoP