Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The Gombe State Government has begun distributing a locally manufactured complementary food supplement to address child malnutrition statewide.
During the launch event held over the weekend, Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau emphasized that the initiative represents a sustainable, locally developed solution to a pressing health issue. He shared concerning figures, stating, “The stunting rate in the state is 50.6%, with more than 94,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition.”
“NAFDAC’s approval of this supplement is a major milestone in our Human Capital Development strategy,” he added.
The project is a joint effort involving the Ministries of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, along with the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) program.
Dr. Jatau noted that over 1,000 students from selected schools received training in preparing nutritious meals. Additionally, women were equipped to produce and distribute the supplement, fostering both health improvements and economic opportunities.
Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari, Commissioner for Education, reported that more than 200 women and 300 secondary school students have been trained in producing the supplement, empowering them to play a crucial role in eradicating child malnutrition in Gombe.
This initiative follows the announced discontinuation of United Nations humanitarian aid by 2026, reduced contributions from other donor nations, and the complete withdrawal of U.S. assistance.
