UNICEF Calls for Collaboration with  LGAs for Effective Implementation of CMAM, SHAWN Projects in Kaduna

UNICEF Calls for Collaboration with  LGAs for Effective Implementation of CMAM, SHAWN Projects in Kaduna

By ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna
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As part of measure to improve nutrition status of Kaduna State, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday urged the Interim Management Committee Chairmen of Local Governments to support it and the State government to effectively implement the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) in the state.

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Utpal Moitra, Chief field officer, UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, made the passionate appeal in Kaduna, during a sensitisation meeting with the IMC chairmen on nutrition, sanitation, health and water in Nigeria.

Moitra equally called on the chairmen to support the implementation of Sanitation, Health and Water in Nigeria (SHAWN) phase II, being implemented in some selected LGAs in the state.

He said that UNICEF in partnership with the state government is committed in managing acute malnutrition in the state which has already been piloted in Zaria LGA‎.

He added that the project would be extended to Kachia, Kaduna North, Brining Gwari, Makarfi and Jema’a in the next two months.

Moitra further said that the SHAWN project, being implemented in Kachia, Kubau and Chukun L.G.As, would be expanded to eight more LGAs because the state performed very well in the three pilot LGAs.

“The LGAs include Jaba, Jema’a, Zangon Kataf, Kajuru, Giwa, Soba, Lere and Kudan”.

He however said that for the effective implementation of the projects, the LGAs must commit N500,000 and N250,000 monthly for CMAM and SHAWN projects respectively as counterpart funding to cover operational cost.

“The state government has made a commitment; UNICEF has made a commitment, we need you to equally make a commitment to cover operational cost to ensure successful implementation.

“Malnutrition has remained a major child killer disease in the country and the number of children dying of malnutrition in Kaduna state is unacceptable. You must join the fight against malnutrition in the state.

“We are deploying our expertise as part of our continued support to the government of Kaduna state, but we equally need your support for the effective implementation of these projects in your respective LGAs.

“This is to ensure that no more children die of malnutrition in Kaduna State, “UNICEF Chief explained.

Also speaking, the Kaduna State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Janet Gwani said that 912, 822, representing 57 per cent of children under five years are stunted from chronic malnutrition in the state.

Gwani also said that 42 per cent of children are equally wasted with acute malnutrition, adding that the state’s infant mortality rate statnd at 103 out of 1000 live births and under five mortality rate of 169 out of 1000 live births.

Earlier, UNICEF’s Nutrition Specialist, Dr. Florence Oni, said Kaduna State Government has made a commitment with N37 million to provide Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for about 6000 children suffering from malnutrition in the state.

Oni added that UNICEF, having seen the state government commitment, attracted additional N37 million from Children Investment Fund Foundation in Britain, to support additional 6000 children.

“Also, Dangote Foundation will also be treating about 20,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition. The intervention will commenced sometime in June, but the actual implementation will commenced in September.

“With these interventions, the state will be able to address 30 per cent of the affected children, but there is the need for more investment by the state to effectively arrest the challenge, “she added.

She said that so far, about 300 children are currently on admission at the CMAM centre in Zaria, from March 21 to date, and would be managed for eight weeks.

On his part, state chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Malam Abdullahi Abbas, commended UNICEF for the laudable programmes being implemented across the state.

Abbass further assured UNICEF that the IMCs will give their 100 per cent  support to ensure effective implementation of the projects.

In his open address, host of the meeting, Commissioner for Local Government, Malam Bashir Saidu also thanked UNICEF for supporting the state government to deliver the dividend of democracy to the people of the state.

Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Malam Ibrahim Sambo, Saidu equally assured the ministry’s resolve to support the L.G.As honour their commitment.