Bauchi State Unveils Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Nutrition to Tackle Malnutrition, Food Insecurity

By Khalid Doya Idris 

Bauchi State has unveiled a Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Nutrition, a five-year strategic plan aimed at reducing malnutrition and improving food security in the state. The plan will be implemented at an estimated cost of N827,077,887, funded through contributions from domestic sources, partner organizations, donors, and the organized private sector.

According to the State Deputy Governor, Hon. Auwal Mohammed Jatau, the plan will serve as an advocacy tool for improved nutrition financing in the state and incorporates monitoring and evaluation, accountability, and learning components. "The plan will give Bauchi the leverage to achieve some of the Sustainable Development Goals Target by 2030," Jatau said.

Jatau emphasized the need to accelerate the reduction of hunger and malnutrition in the state, citing the latest survey reports that indicate Bauchi has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the country. He noted that the effects of malnutrition on physical stature, cognitive development, and the ability to do physical work can lock children and their families into poverty and entrench inequality.

The state has identified nine priority areas as key to improving nutritional status. Jatau stressed the need for strengthened collaboration between sectors and improved financing and accountability mechanisms to achieve the ambitious targets. "Meaningful economic developments are necessary to harness resources for urgent improvement in nutrition," he said.

Isaac Ishiya Abdu from Care International commended the state government for collaborating closely with development partners to achieve its objectives. "Food security, poverty reduction, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, and school feeding programs are top priorities in the Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition," Abdu said.

Amina Katagum, Commissioner of Budget, Planning and Multilateral Coordination, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Jibrin Yusuf, said the action plan was developed with the support of development partners to tackle malnutrition in the state.