UNICEF delivered cartons of ready-to-use Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) foods to Enugu State on Tuesday. The handover occurred during a formal event attended by state officials and UNICEF representatives. Nemat Jajeebhoy, UNICEF's Chief of Nutrition Section, stated that Nigeria has the highest number of malnourished children in Africa and ranks second globally. She cited data from the 2024 National Demographic and Health Survey showing stunting in children under five rose from 12% in 2013 to 15%, affecting approximately 135,008 children.
Jajeebhoy emphasized scaling up interventions during the First 1000 Days of Life, including micronutrient powders (MMS), small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS), and ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF). She praised Enugu as one of the first states to procure MMS and among the few prioritizing prevention through SQ-LNS procurement. She urged the government to ensure supplies reach rural and hard-to-reach communities. UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the state's nutrition agenda.
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by Deputy Governor Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, acknowledged UNICEF's long-standing support. He noted the creation of nutrition desk officers across ministries and MDAs to strengthen implementation.
Enugu's procurement of MMS and SQ-LNS shows rare initiative, but distribution to remote areas remains unproven. Most states still treat malnutrition as a footnote, not a crisis demanding budget space. If political will fades after photo opportunities, the stunting numbers will keep climbing. This handover changes nothing unless supplies move beyond government warehouses.
