By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (BSMSPAN) 2024-2028 has been officially launched, aiming to tackle food insecurity and improve nutrition among children under five and women.
The plan was supported by Partners as UNICEF, MSF, Alive & Thrive, and FHI360, commended the initiative and pledged their full support.
The initiative, supported by the Catalyzing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience (CASCADE), provides a strategic framework to fight malnutrition and promote food security for a healthier population.
Speaking at the launch held at the Deputy Governor’s Office on Wednesday, Deputy Governor Mohammed Jatau reaffirmed the state’s commitment to implementing the National Strategic Plan of Action for Nutrition.
He emphasized that the administration of Governor Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed is taking significant steps to reduce hunger and malnutrition.
Jatau highlighted the state government’s multi-sectoral approach, integrating nutrition-sensitive interventions across agriculture, health, social protection, early childhood development, education, and water and sanitation sectors.
These efforts align with the Zero Hunger Challenge (ZHC), which includes the goal of eliminating stunting among children under five.
To support these initiatives, the state government has allocated substantial funding in its annual budget for nutrition programs such as the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF).
“The state has identified nine priority areas crucial to improving nutrition. Strengthening collaboration among sectors and enhancing financial and accountability mechanisms are key to achieving these ambitious targets,” Jatau stated.
Commissioner of Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, Amina Katagum, represented by Permanent Secretary Jibrin Yusuf, reaffirmed that the BSMSPAN was developed with the support of development partners to combat malnutrition effectively.
She assured that the plan’s implementation would significantly contribute to eliminating malnutrition among children under five in the state.
They emphasized the importance of ensuring that no child suffers from malnutrition, highlighting the availability of locally sourced nutritious foods as a sustainable solution.
