From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Government has received 5,392 cartons of Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplement (SQ-LNS) aimed at tackling malnutrition among children, with at least 15,000 expected to benefit from the first phase of the programme.
On Monday, the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo, who represented Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the launch held at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, commended UNICEF for its support through the Child Nutrition Match Fund, which doubled the state’s $200,000 commitment.
According to her, the initiative will provide dietary supplementation for children aged 6–23 months across the state for five months.
She stressed that improving nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life is crucial to preventing irreversible damage to children’s growth and development.
“Malnutrition is a nationwide challenge worsened by insecurity. Our administration will continue to mobilise resources and partnerships to ensure optimal nutrition for Plateau’s children,” Piyo said, urging community leaders and stakeholders to support the campaign.
Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Adams Bulus Lekshak, highlighted the scale of the crisis, noting that 46.4 per cent of children in Plateau are stunted, while 59,339 suffer acute malnutrition.
He explained that the SQ-LNS intervention will initially reach 80,000 children, though 141,519 remain in need.
UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, praised the Plateau government’s commitment, describing it as “a significant step in addressing malnutrition.” She said UNICEF is working to promote local food production and affordable nutrition solutions, adding that the state’s agricultural potential could support other regions.
Saeed emphasised that investing in child nutrition is one of the most effective ways to secure future health and development, assuring continued UNICEF partnership with Plateau State.