Categories: Health

UNICEF To Screen 3m Children For Malnutrition In The Northeast

  • She said the grant would assist UNICEF to work with mothers and other caregivers to boost community-based food production.

UNICEF is set to screen at least three million children for acute malnutrition in the northeast.

UNICEF

Folashade Adebayo, UNICEF’s Communication Officer in Nigeria, said in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Monday that the screening would be done with a grant from the government of Japan.

Read Also: UNICEF Condemns Kidnapping Of Schoolgirls In Zamfara State

It would also help in the detection, referral, and monitoring of children with severe acute malnutrition in Borno and Yobe states.

“Children with severe acute malnutrition are at a significantly higher risk of death as compared to well-nourished children.

UNICEF

“A recent survey found that malnutrition rates in children between six months and 59 months are as high as 10 percent in Borno and up to 12.3 percent in Yobe.

“This is well above the 5 percent threshold globally recognized to be of public health significance.

“With COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant loss of livelihoods and food insecurity, thousands of more children could be at risk of malnutrition-related deaths or stunting in the region this year,’’ she stated.

UNICEF

“The new grant will aid in the early detection and prompt treatment of children suffering from acute malnutrition.

“It will build a strong network of community nutrition responders who can ensure quick referrals of malnourished children to health facilities where trained health workers will be able to help them,’’ she added.

Adebayo also stated that about 50,000 pregnant and lactating women and other caregivers would be trained to store and cook affordable food for themselves and for their children.

They would also be trained on how to monitor their children’s nutritional status at home, she added.

She quoted the Charge d’ Affaires of the Japanese embassy in Nigeria, Mr Shinozawa Takayuki, as expressing the hope that the funding would ensure life-saving nutrition for children’s survival in the frontline states.

Grace Ihesiulo

Grace is a prolific writer, a Broadcast journalist and a voice over specialist.

Share
Published by
Grace Ihesiulo

Recent Posts

BREAKING: President Tinubu Arrives Lagos Ahead of Christmas and New Year Holiday

Following the presentation of the 2025 budget before the National Assembly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu…

41 minutes ago

Ekiti Govt Approves N8.17bn for Road Projects to Boost Infrastructure

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved N8.17 billion for road construction projects across the…

51 minutes ago

Lagos Task Force Arrests 27 Over Alleged Street Begging

Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Taskforce have apprehended 27 persons for alleged unlawful act…

57 minutes ago