Damaturu: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that EU-funded nutrition interventions have aided more than 40,000 malnourished children in Yobe State. These efforts have provided essential life-saving treatment during critical lean seasons.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Senesie, UNICEF Malnutrition Manager, shared this information during a media field visit and virtual dialogue in Damaturu. He highlighted that the May-to-September lean season often worsened acute malnutrition among children. Senesie expressed hope that by 2026, the malnutrition levels seen in previous years would not recur, crediting the success to EU humanitarian support, particularly from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.
Senesie explained that the funding facilitated the procurement of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), which plays a crucial role in ensuring rapid recovery for children undergoing treatment. This helps them return to healthy lives swiftly. He emphasized that collaboration with the government and partners had bolstered nutrition responses.
Dr. Babagana Machina, Executive Secretary of Yobe State Primary Health Care Board, identified malnutrition as a significant public health concern, exacerbated by food shortages, disease outbreaks, and conflict-driven displacement. Machina noted that EU support had enhanced life-saving nutrition services, ensuring consistent supplies of RUTF and therapeutic milk. Currently, 306 health facilities are offering Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) services across the state.
He further added that community-based screenings and improved data systems had facilitated early detection and rapid response to acute malnutrition among vulnerable populations.
Hajiya Hadiza Adamu, State Nutrition Officer, welcomed participants to the dialogue, praising UNICEF and the EU for their ongoing support of nutrition programs in Yobe State. She observed that malnutrition prevalence had decreased to about eight percent in 2022 but rose to 10.9 percent in 2023, placing Yobe in the IPC Phase Three classification.
Adamu stated that the state aims to achieve Phase Two classification by the end of 2026 through sustained interventions, government commitment, and partner support. She explained that 306 OTP sites, 120 supplementary feeding centers, and stabilization facilities are operational statewide, enhancing access to treatment and recovery outcomes for malnourished children.