The Bauchi State House of Assembly has pledged to boost funding for nutrition and primary healthcare services in a bid to curb the alarming rise in malnutrition among children. Lawmakers assured stakeholders that despite the passage of the 2025 budget, a supplementary provision would be made to address the worsening crisis.
During a two-day meeting in Jos, Speaker of the Bauchi House of Assembly, Abubakar Sulaiman, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling malnutrition. Representatives from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning were present at the meeting, where the Speaker acknowledged that the state must take urgent action.
Lawmakers expressed deep concern over the rising cases of stunted growth among children under five, highlighting challenges such as poor public awareness, inadequate healthcare personnel, and weak water sanitation systems. The absence of a dedicated nutrition department within the State Primary Health Care Board was also cited as a major setback.
To address these issues, the House Committees on Food Security & Nutrition and Public Accounts have been tasked with investigating the utilization of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) funds allocated for malnourished children in the 2024 budget. The committees are expected to present their findings, ensuring that funds are properly managed and utilized.
In a decisive move, lawmakers resolved to create a dedicated budget line for nutrition programs across key ministries. The Assembly also agreed to push for legislation extending paid maternity leave from three to six months to support exclusive breastfeeding, a measure aimed at improving infant nutrition.
Furthermore, local governments across Bauchi’s 20 Local Government Areas will be mandated to allocate funds for nutrition initiatives. Plans are also in motion to procure hemoglobin testing machines for primary healthcare centers, allowing for early detection and treatment of malnutrition-related conditions. In addition, the Assembly proposed the establishment of a Child Nutrition Fund, which will receive funding from government allocations, private sector contributions, and public donations.
UNICEF’s Chief of the Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, commended the government’s renewed efforts but cautioned that the situation remains critical. She revealed that severe acute malnutrition in Bauchi has increased by 2.9% in the past five years, while moderate malnutrition has surged by 7%.
Dr. Rafique called for greater investment in nutrition financing, stressing that without urgent intervention, malnutrition rates would continue to rise. She assured that UNICEF remains committed to supporting Bauchi through technical and financial assistance to improve policies, service delivery, and access to essential nutrition supplies.
With growing concerns over malnutrition, all eyes are now on the Bauchi State government to deliver on its promises and implement the necessary budgetary adjustments. The outcome of these efforts will determine whether the state can reverse the trend and secure a healthier future for its children.