The United Nations Children’s Fund, in collaboration with the Adamawa government, has inaugurated an emergency nutrition support programme for children aged zero to two years.

Speaking at the inauguration on Thursday, Nuzhat Rafique, chief of the UNICEF Bauchi field office, said the initiative aimed to strengthen nutrition service delivery during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

She said the programme was being implemented with funding support from Canada for children and mothers in Adamawa and Bauchi.

“The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception when the mother becomes pregnant to the child’s second birthday, are the most important days in the lives of both the child and the mother. The mother has to go through the process of giving birth to a healthy child and caring for the child up to two years,” she said.

Ms Rafique emphasised that both mothers and children required adequate care to improve their chances of survival and healthy development.

Philomena Irene, nutrition specialist at the UNICEF Bauchi field office, expressed concern over the under-five mortality rate in the state, which she said stood at 63 deaths per 1,000 live births.

According to her, the state and local government areas had demonstrated commitment to scaling up high-impact nutrition services across the first 1,000 days of life.

She said the capacity of government personnel would be strengthened through training, mentorship, and technical support to develop evidence-based strategies and implementation plans.

Zira Bubanani, permanent secretary at Adamawa’s health ministry, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare service delivery in the state.

He appreciated UNICEF’s support and collaboration in enhancing children’s well-being and assured that the state government would continue to provide an enabling environment for the successful implementation of the programme.

Suleiman Bashir, chairman of the Adamawa Primary Healthcare Development Agency, warned stakeholders and government officials against diversion of nutrition commodities.

He said anyone found culpable would face legal action, adding that the agency was working with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery.

Representatives of religious and traditional institutions pledged to sensitise their followers on the importance of proper nutrition and child care practices.

(NAN)