The Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has raised concerns over the escalating malnutrition crisis in Kaduna State, revealing alarming statistics on stunted growth and anaemia among women and children.
Speaking at a media engagement in Kaduna, CS-SUNN’s Executive Secretary, Sunday Okoronkwo, cited the latest 2023-24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which shows that 40.7% of children under five in Kaduna are stunted, up from 37% in 2018.
Nationally, 40% of children under five suffer from stunting, while 55% of women of reproductive age experience anemia, indicating a worsening nutritional crisis.
Okoronkwo stressed that stunting hinders cognitive development, weakens immunity, and lowers productivity in adulthood, calling for immediate intervention to combat the crisis.
He advocated for the widespread distribution of l Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS), highlighting their effectiveness in reducing anemia and improving pregnancy outcomes.
Kaduna State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Ramatu Haruna, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to addressing malnutrition. She revealed that N400 million has been allocated to child nutrition, particularly for the procurement and distribution of MMS to pregnant women.
“We must ensure these supplements are accessible and affordable to promote healthier outcomes for mothers and babies,” Haruna said, urging the media to support awareness campaigns about the benefits of MMS.
The Project Coordinator for the World Bank-supported Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) initiative, Dr. Zainab Kwaru detailed efforts to distribute MMS at the grassroots level.
Since 2022, 16 million doses have been delivered across Kaduna’s 23 Local Government Areas through door-to-door outreach by non-state actors.
Plans are also underway to train healthcare providers for sustained distribution at health facilities.
A beneficiary, Alheri Monday, from Jama’a Local Government Area, shared how MMS transformed her pregnancy experience.
“My second baby weighed 3.7 kg, compared to 2.8 kg for my first. The supplements reduced vomiting and improved my appetite,” she said, urging authorities to ensure universal access to MMS for pregnant women.
