UNICEF, Zamfara Government Strengthen Partnership to Combat Malnutrition

By Adam Muhammad, Gusau

Gusau, Zamfara- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has called for enhanced monitoring and evaluation of nutrition programmes in Zamfara State to ensure aid reaches its intended beneficiaries effectively.

The UNICEF Country Representative, Mrs. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, made the appeal during an official visit to Gusau on Wednesday. She urged the state government, through the Ministry of Health, to strengthen the supervision of nutrition products being distributed, particularly to the most vulnerable.

Mrs. Abdelatef emphasized the critical importance of these government-provided nutrition supplies for the well-being of the state's children.

During her tour, the UNICEF representative inspected key health facilities, including a Nutrition Commodity Warehouse and a Stabilisation Centre for children with severe acute malnutrition. At the Dr. Karima Primary Healthcare Centre in Gusau, she spoke directly with caregivers about their children's health and nutritional status.

Mrs. Abdelatef advised parents to utilize locally available foods to create balanced diets for their children, a key strategy in preventing malnutrition. She also reinforced the vital importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first two years of a child's life to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.

In a gesture supporting education, the Country Representative presented "School-in-a-box" kits to the Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal. The donation is part of a broader effort to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve student retention.

The visit also included a high-level meeting with the Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mallam Mumini. The event featured the joint launch of the Nutrition Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Strategy, the signing of key partnership documents, and the announcement of an extension for the state's Health and Social Insurance Scheme.

As part of UNICEF's commitment to maternal health, Mrs. Abdelatef presented "Mama Kits" to the state. These kits are designed to promote safe deliveries in primary healthcare centres and encourage more women to opt for skilled birth attendance in approved facilities.