Kano State Government Reaffirms Commitment to Reducing Child Malnutrition

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to combating malnutrition and reducing the high rate of stunting among children across the state.

This assurance was given by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Planning and Budget, Alhaji Abdulmumin Ladan Ajumawa, during the State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN) review and round-up meeting in collaboration with UNICEF  held in Kaduna State.

Speaking at the meeting, Alhaji Ajumawa identified poverty, particularly in rural communities, as one of the major factors contributing to malnutrition in Kano State. He noted that the state government has allocated substantial resources through the Ministry of Health to strengthen nutrition programmes aimed at securing a healthier future for children in the state.

He called on all stakeholders, development partners, and community leaders to intensify support and collaboration towards saving the lives of children and improving their nutritional status.

The Acting Permanent Secretary also assured participants of the Kano State Government’s full commitment to complying with and implementing the new nutrition policy framework introduced by the UNICEF Country Office in Abuja.

In his remarks, the Nutrition Specialist from the UNICEF Kano Field Office, Dr. Karanveer Singh, commended the Kano State Government for its continued support and dedication to nutrition interventions across the state.

Dr. Singh disclosed that the United States Government, through UNICEF Kano Field Office, provided over Eight Hundred Million Naira to support the implementation of nutrition activities aimed at improving food security and the nutritional well-being of children and women in Kano State.

Also speaking, the Kano State Commissioner for Health, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Aminu Bashir, expressed concern over the alarming rate of child stunting in the state, revealing that about 55 percent of children in Kano suffer from stunted growth.

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to reduce malnutrition and improve the health and well-being of vulnerable groups across the state.

Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations and member representing Minjibir Constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdulhamidu Abdul Munjibir, urged the State Committee on Food and Nutrition to ensure prudent and transparent utilization of all interventions and resources provided to the state.

He further emphasized the importance of strengthening policy implementation, accountability, and transparency in nutrition programmes to achieve sustainable results and improve the lives of children and families in the State.

The meeting witnessed renewed commitments from government officials, development partners, and stakeholders to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing malnutrition and food insecurity in the State. Participants expressed optimism that with sustained funding, effective policy implementation, transparency, and collective action, the state will record significant progress in reducing child stunting and improving the health and nutritional status of women and children across Kano State.

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Goodwill message as the CS-SUNN representative for Kano State on nutrition.

On behalf of the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria [CS-SUNN], Kano State Chapter, I extend warm greetings and appreciation to all stakeholders, partners, and community members committed to improving nutrition in our state.

Nutrition is the foundation of health, education, and productivity. In Kano State, we recognize both the challenges and the opportunities we have to reduce malnutrition, especially among children under 5, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

CS-SUNN Kano State remains committed to:
1. *Advocacy*: Working with government and partners to strengthen budget allocation and policy implementation for nutrition.
2. *Coordination*: Supporting alignment across MDAs, LGAs, and civil society to avoid duplication and maximize impact.
3. *Accountability*: Tracking commitments and ensuring that resources reach the communities that need them most.
4. *Community Engagement*: Amplifying the voices of families and frontline workers in shaping nutrition programs.

We believe that when government, civil society, traditional leaders, media, and the private sector work together, Kano can lead the way in achieving the targets of the National Policy on Food and Nutrition.

Thank you for your continued partnership. Let’s keep pushing for a well-nourished, healthier Kano State.

Signed,
Salmanu Muhammad (Bawan Allah)
Kano State Coordinator CS-SUNN