In a significant move to combat child malnutrition, the Gombe State Government has launched the distribution of a locally produced complementary food supplement. This initiative aims to address the critical health crisis affecting thousands of children in the state. According to Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the state’s stunting rate stands at a staggering 50.6 percent, with over 94,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition.
The Deputy Governor described the initiative as a sustainable and homegrown response to the health crisis, marking a significant step in the state’s Human Capital Development agenda. The development and certification of the supplement by NAFDAC, the national food and drug regulatory agency, underscore the government’s commitment to providing safe and effective solutions. Dr. Jatau emphasized that the project is a collaborative effort, involving the Ministries of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, as well as the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) programme.
A key aspect of the initiative is the empowerment of women and students in the production and distribution of the supplement. Over 1,000 students from selected schools have been trained to prepare nutritious meals, while more than 200 women and 300 secondary school students have been trained in the supplement’s production. This not only creates health benefits but also generates economic opportunities, positioning these individuals as crucial players in the fight against child malnutrition in Gombe State. As Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari, the Commissioner for Education, noted, the training of women and students is a vital component of the project, enabling them to take an active role in addressing this critical issue.
The launch of this initiative is a testament to the Gombe State Government’s dedication to improving the health and well-being of its citizens, particularly its most vulnerable population – children. By leveraging local resources and promoting community involvement, the government aims to create a sustainable and effective solution to the problem of child malnutrition. As the project progresses, it is likely to serve as a model for other regions, demonstrating the potential for collaborative, homegrown initiatives to drive meaningful change and improve health outcomes.