A non-profit coalition of non-governmental organisations in Bauchi State, Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria, has lamented that malnutrition remains the biggest threat to child survival in Nigeria.
The secretary of CS-SUNN, Dabis Mwaike at a media parley in Bauchi on Thursday, expressed concern that despite several interventions, malnutrition has remained a concern to public health and a threat to child survival, growth, and development in the country.
The World Health Organisation described malnutrition as deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilisation.
According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, nearly half of all deaths in children under 5 are attributable to undernutrition.
UNICEF noted that undernutrition puts children at greater risk of dying from common infections.
Speaking at the media parley, the CS-SUNN secretary, noted that in the 2018 National Demographic Health Survey, Bauchi State’s stunting rate stood at 46 per cent, wasting at 9.5 per cent, underweight at 28.2 per cent, and overweight at 0.5 per cent.
She stressed that the data underscores the urgent need for action.
Mwaike stated that inadequate funding is another major challenge in working against malnutrition elimination efforts.
She, however, said the NGO has been reflecting on its journey to curb malnutrition in the country as part of efforts to mark the 10th anniversary of the alliance.
