Kaduna, UNICEF Moves to Tackle Malnutrition with Domestication of Social Behavior Change Strategy
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
In a bold step to improve nutrition outcomes and reduce malnutrition across communities, the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, has commenced a process to domesticate the National Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) Strategy for Nutrition.
At the end of a five-day non-residential workshop to domesticate the National Strategy, which runs from June 30 to July 4, 2025, which brings together diverse stakeholders to adapt the national strategy to Kaduna’s unique social and cultural contexts, the State set August 13th and 14th formal validation date, while the Commission for Health is expected to sign immediately.
While speaking on behalf of Dr. Gerida Birukila, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kaduna, Nutrition Specialist Chinwe Ezeife highlighted UNICEF’s strong commitment to supporting Kaduna State with technical expertise and funding to improve nutrition outcomes.
“Our mandate includes providing technical assistance to develop strategies that enhance the health and nutrition of women and children.
“This strategy must be a living tool, not just a document on a shelf that genuinely reflects Kaduna’s social realities,” she said.
She noted that the process is not merely about adopting a document but ensuring that the strategy becomes a practical, living tool that guides behavior change down to household levels.
“This participatory approach ensures that the strategy embodies the voices and needs of Kaduna citizens, transforming it into a people-centered intervention that improves health and nutrition outcomes,” Ezeife stated.
Ramatu Musa, the State Nutrition Officer from the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, underscored the strategy’s potential to drive significant improvements in nutrition.
“Changing behavior is a long-term investment, but with this strategy and our collective commitment, we can create substantial impact,” she said.
Mrs. Musa called on stakeholders to ensure that the strategy is fully implemented rather than being left as a document on a shelf.
Dr. Zainab Muhammad-Idris, Project Coordinator for Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN), explained that Kaduna’s high burden of malnutrition, evidenced by a stunting rate reduction from 48.1% in 2018 to 40% in 2023/2024, underscores the urgency of this initiative.
“This strategy is timely and crucial. It prioritizes the most vulnerable groups; pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five, particularly within the critical first 1,000 days of life,” Dr. Zainab noted.
She emphasized the importance of community ownership, stating, “We want families to not only gain knowledge but also practice and sustain the right nutrition habits.”
Jessica Bartholomew, State Coordinator for the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Kaduna Chapter, highlighted the pivotal role civil society plays in tackling malnutrition through advocacy and partnerships.
“Kaduna has set an example in prioritizing nutrition, with stunting rates dropping and budget performance for nutrition improving significantly from about 10–16% in 2015 to 35% today,” Jessica revealed.
She stressed the need for timely fund releases to ensure interventions reach children before it is too late.
She also praised Kaduna’s strategic investment, referencing a combined N800 million commitment from state and local governments toward nutrition commodities.
Participants were drawn from the Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Board, RUWASSA, National Orientation Agency, education sector, Planning and Budget Commission, and partners such as Alive & Thrive, FHI 360, and the media.
When fully adopted and operationalized, this domesticated SBC strategy is expected to guide policy makers, empower communities, and equip families with the knowledge and motivation to adopt better nutrition practices ultimately improving health outcomes for mothers and children throughout Kaduna State.
