Adamawa records 48.6% child stunting, government, UNICEF intensify nutrition intervention

The Adamawa State Government has raised concern over the state’s 48.6 percent child stunting prevalence, describing the figure as a public health challenge that requires sustained nutrition interventions to protect mothers and children.

Kaletapwa Farauta, deputy governor disclosed this in Yola while inaugurating the First 1,000 Days of Life Nutrition Project, an initiative of the Adamawa State Government and UNICEF aimed at preventing malnutrition from pregnancy until a child’s second birthday.

Farauta, who was represented by Amos Edgar the Governor’s Chief of Staff, cited the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), saying the high stunting rate underscores the need for urgent and coordinated action.

She noted that undernutrition contributes to nearly half of deaths among Nigerian children under the age of five, stressing that the first 1,000 days of life from conception to a child’s second birthday are critical for physical growth, brain development and lifelong health.

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According to her, investing in maternal nutrition and child health during this period will reduce child mortality, improve learning outcomes and build a healthier and more productive society.

Farauta said the project, funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and implemented by the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency in partnership with UNICEF, will strengthen nutrition services, promote optimal maternal, infant and young child feeding practices.

She also stressed that the project will enhance community participation and reinforce the state’s healthcare system.

Adding that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Nutrition 774 Initiative and Adamawa’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.

Mohammed Jada, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, represented by Mathias Bubal, the Permanent Secretary, described the programme as a landmark intervention that would further strengthen maternal and child healthcare in the state.

He commended UNICEF for its sustained support in nutrition, immunisation, primary healthcare and health systems strengthening, saying the partnership has continued to improve health outcomes across Adamawa.

Earlier, Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Bauchi, said the project is designed to prevent malnutrition from conception until a child’s second birthday through skilled birth attendance, early initiation of breastfeeding, routine immunisation, improved hygiene and sanitation, diversified complementary feeding and positive community practices.

She added that the initiative would also strengthen evidence-based planning, multi-sectoral coordination, nutrition services and treatment of severe acute malnutrition, while prioritising prevention.