The state government of Borno, in association with UNICEF, has presented plans to establish a therapeutic food factory aimed at addressing the state's malnutrition crisis, particularly among children in communities affected by conflicts.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Boplast warehouse, Central Medical Stores State in Maiduguri during the delivery of 2,254 boxes of therapeutic food cardboard ready for use (RUTF), the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malnutum wins would promote the local initiative, reduce import dependence and improve access to children with children with children with Severe malnutrition.
Win explained that approximately two million children in the northeast suffer from malnutrition, with more than 700,000 fighting severe acute malnutrition.
He warned that without timely intervention in the first 1,000 days of life, malnutrition can cause irreversible brain damage and mental retardation. He emphasized the need for greater awareness and local solutions to save lives.
“The impact of malnutrition on brain development in early childhood is devastating,” he said. “We must expand consciousness, address cultural barriers and promote local solutions.”
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Board of Primary Health Management of the State of Borno, Professor Arab Alhaji, described malnutrition as one of the most serious health challenges of the State, worsened by years of insurgency.
He praised the Babagana Governor Umara Zulum for his commitment to address the crisis through associations with development organizations such as UNICEF.
Alhaji urged parents to pay more attention to the food given to their children, citing poverty and lack of consciousness as the main drivers of malnutrition. He pointed out that many families did not know the long -term damage that could cause poor nutrition.
“We need to intensify community education to break these barriers,” he said.
The interim chief of the UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office, Joseph Senissie, described the therapeutic food factory planned as a strong demonstration of collaboration and commitment to improve childhood health and nutritional results in Borno.
He praised the efforts of the state government, noting that UNICEF is committed to saving lives and providing a sustainable response to the nutritional crisis in the state.
Senissie also urged parents to guarantee the proper use of the RUTF distributed under the Agreement of the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) between UNICEF and the Born State Government. According to the CNF, both parties contributed with N98 million each to acquire 2,254 therapeutic food cartons, which will be delivered to high -load communities throughout the state.
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