ADVERTISEMENT

Nigeria requires $85.5m to treat 2m malnourished children – UN Agency

UNICEF Nutrition Specialist said the treatment of a malnourished child with Ready-To-Use-Therapeutic-Food would span through eight to 12 weeks

A mother breastfeeds her child who suffers acute malnutrition, at the clinic run by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Aweil, northern Bahr al-Ghazal, South Sudan

Mrs Philomena Irene, UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Bauchi Zone, disclosed this at a media dialogue held on Wednesday in Yola with the theme “Investing in Child’s Malnutrition for the Future”.

Irene noted that the treatment of a malnourished child with Ready-To-Use-Therapeutic-Food (RUTF) would span through eight to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition.

According to her, not less than 71 U.S. dollars will adequately treat a severely acute malnourished child.

ADVERTISEMENT

She said that out of the 2.5 million malnourished children recorded in the country only 500,000 have so far been treated.

The specialist said that the interventions provided by UNICEF include prevention and treatment.

According to her, the collaborative efforts of government agencies will go a long way to address the existing nutrition gap of two million children in dire need of special interventions including RUTF.

“Malnutrition is an emergency that required multi-sectoral approach and collaborative efforts of government and donor agencies, among others.

“No child should be left to die and government at all levels should act by setting aside budget line geared toward the purchase of RUTF and other nutrition interventions.

ADVERTISEMENT

“There should be specific budget line at the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Education, Budget and National Planning, among others, and timely releases of such funds.

“With these efforts the burden would be reduced drastically,” she said.

Irene decried the burden of malnutrition in the country in spite of abundance of resources, blaming this on misplacement of priority, lack of commitment and ignorance of the care-givers.

Earlier, the Zonal UNICEF Communication Officer, Mr Sam Kaalu, identified the objectives of the meeting to include sensitising the media about nutrition crisis in the country and issues of children’s well-being and survival.

Kaalu said it was also aimed at acquainting the media with knowledge and materials to support advocacy for child nutrition, among others.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT