By: Femi Mustapha
Kaduna State has made significant strides in addressing malnutrition, successfully treating 30,089 children for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in 2025, according to Ramatu Musa, the State Nutrition Officer. This achievement is primarily attributed to the state’s Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) services, which focus on the early identification, treatment, and rehabilitation of children with SAM at specialized centers. The initiative also involves community engagement through awareness campaigns and support groups.
Musa presented the “State of Nutrition in Kaduna” during a one-day meeting attended by Hajiya Hafsat Uba-Sani, the Governor’s wife, and the spouses of the 23 Local Government Area (LGA) Chairpersons. She noted the state’s progress in reducing chronic malnutrition, with stunting rates decreasing from 48.1% to 40.7%. However, she also reported an increase in wasting rates from 4.8% to 5.9%, and underweight rates rising from 22.1% to 24.7%.
Despite these achievements, Musa highlighted several challenges, including low activity levels among nutrition steering committees, inadequate funding, a lack of ownership, and insufficient IMAM coverage, with only 64% of wards providing services. To address these issues, she recommended strengthening LGA steering committees, enhancing leadership engagement, securing dedicated funding, and expanding IMAM services.
Mr. Mukhtar Ahmed, the Commissioner for Planning and Budget, emphasized the importance of community engagement and the role of spouses of political leaders in promoting nutrition at the household level. The state government has allocated N1.1 billion for malnutrition interventions and has procured 12,000 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).
Hajiya Umma Ahmed, the Commissioner for Health, reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to tackling malnutrition, while Glori. At the same time, I, the Commissioner for Youth Development, stressed the collective responsibility of communities in safeguarding children’s health. Dr. Zainab Muhammad-Idris emphasized the crucial role of political leadership in combating malnutrition, and Ms. Jessica Bartholomew introduced the Child Nutrition Fund, suggesting the implementation of six months of paid maternity leave as a means to enhance nutrition outcomes.
Hajiya Hafsat Uba-Sani promised continued support for nutrition programs and assured stakeholders of ongoing advocacy and community involvement.
