Bauchi (Nigeria): The UNICEF Child Nutrition Fund is set to receive a major boost in 2026, as the Bauchi State Government pledges ₦1 billion—building on its earlier ₦300 million commitment to strengthen child nutrition efforts across the state.
Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field Office, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), disclosed this in a news conference on Wednesday in Bauchi, adding that the decision was part of the outcome of a meeting with Gov Bala Mohammed on Monday.
The Child Nutrition Fund is a basket fund managed by UNICEF on behalf of various donors and designed to boost investments in child nutrition and tackle malnutrition across the country.
She explained that behavioural change remained a critical strategy in addressing malnutrition, adding that interventions should ideally begin from pregnancy through a child’s first two years of life.
Rafique praised the communities in the state for their proactive involvement in health interventions, especially Ganjuwa and Misau local government councils, who have provided bicycles to volunteers to reach remote communities.
This community-driven approach is a crucial part of the initiative and demonstrates the collective effort to address child malnutrition.
” This will go a long way in addressing logistics challenges, as men are often the key decision-makers in households.
“The Fathers for Good Health, Mama2Mama groups, health promoters, and community volunteers are structured within the communities to promote health care delivery and fight against open defecation.
“UNICEF’s new leadership has encouraged the state government to adopt local approaches in the fight against malnutrition, particularly through the promotion of healthy eating habits and sustainable practices,” she said.
The UNICEF chief, however, urged the media to play a crucial role in creating nutrition-focused content that could reach grassroots communities and inspire lasting change.
This call to action highlights the media’s potential to contribute to the fight against malnutrition and encourages them to use their platform for a noble cause.
She added that UNICEF was waiting for the release of the N300 million government matching funds to commence the procurement process.
This transparency about the project’s financial status keeps the audience informed and aware of the challenges the initiative is currently facing.
Also speaking, Dr George Eki, UNICEF Social and Behavioural Change Specialist, revealed that 1,660 men across 166 wards in 10 local government areas were enlisted as Fathers for Good Health in the state.
