Oyo State, UNICEF Collaborate on 4year Plan to Address Malnutrition

• In appreciation of UNICEF’s contributions to the development of children, women, and other vulnerable groups, Babatunde highlighted the state government’s financial support for various initiatives.
• These include allocating ₦250 million as a counterpart fund for the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) project and ₦100 million for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund project.

The Oyo State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a four-year Multi-Sectoral Strategic Plan of Action on Food and Nutrition (OYSMPFAN) aimed at tackling malnutrition and hunger among children and women in the state.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the plan was officially launched by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Misbaudeen Babatunde, in Ibadan.

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During the event, Babatunde emphasized the state government’s commitment to eradicating malnutrition within Oyo State.

The OYSMPFAN will serve as a guiding framework for addressing food and nutrition security challenges across all levels, from individuals and households to communities, local governments, and the state.

In appreciation of UNICEF’s contributions to the development of children, women, and other vulnerable groups, Babatunde highlighted the state government’s financial support for various initiatives.

These include allocating ₦250 million as a counterpart fund for the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) project and ₦100 million for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund project.

“In total, the Oyo state government’s contribution is N350,000,000 in terms of money as counterpart contribution to the Nutrition Fund to address all forms of malnutrition,” he said.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning said the document is expected to serve as a road map, adding that it aligns with the policies of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration.

He decried the current stunted rate of malnourished children, adding that “it’s expected that if the policy is well implemented, it will reduce the percentage.”

“The present administration since assumption had been working assiduously for enhanced economic growth, employment and wealth creation as well as creating an enabling environment for women and children in the State,” he said.

Babatunde highlighted the state government’s commitment to protecting children in line with the Child Rights Law 2006, emphasizing the importance of their protection, development, survival, and participation.

He mentioned the development and launch of Agenda 2040, a 20-year home-grown plan incorporating inputs from various stakeholders, including state and non-state actors.

UNICEF representative Boluwatife Ogunjimi shared that the stunting rate in Oyo State is 34.5%, with child mortality being largely attributed to malnutrition. She stressed the crucial role of good nutrition in preventing child deaths.

Permanent Secretary Tunde Ayanleke assured UNICEF of the state’s dedication to implementing the plan’s activities effectively.

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He acknowledged that UNICEF’s accomplishments in the state have positively impacted all sectors of the economy.

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