By Khalid Idris Doya
Bauchi state governor, Senator Bala Mohammed on Thursday inaugurated the State Council on Nutrition in order to fight against malnutrition.
Speaking at the inauguration of the State Council on Nutrition, governor Bala Mohammed said his administration prioritized nutrition as a key focus area with the allocation of significant resources to tackle malnutrition thereby improving nutrition outcomes.
Represented by his deputy deputy, Hon. Auwal Mohsmmed Jatau, described as disheartening the devastating effects of malnutrition on the communities, particularly among children and vulnerable populations.
He said however that the state collective efforts will be crucial in formulating evidence-based strategies, coordinating activities, and driving progress towards achieving the state nutrition goals, saying "Together, we must lay a strong foundation for the effective implementation of state-wide nutrition interventions, policies, and programs".
Deputy Governor noted that the council represents a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, experts, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
Jatau, said the fight against malnutrition requires sustained efforts and collaborations from all stakeholders to ensure that no child in the state falls victim to the preventable tragedy, hence the need to set up the Council to serve as a platform for collective action.
The deputy governor noted that collective efforts will be crucial in formulating evidence-based strategies, coordinating activities, and driving progress towards achieving the nutrition's goals by laying a strong foundation for the effective implementation of state-wide nutrition interventions, policies, and programs.
“Today marks a significant step towards our shared goal of addressing the challenges faced by our communities in relation to nutrition. Nutrition, as we are all aware, is not just a health issue, but a critical driver of development,” he said.
He said, said the present administration has on coming on board, embraced a multi-sectoral approach that spans agriculture, health, education, social welfare, and infrastructure development with the aim to create sustainable changes in communities
Jatau at the inauguration appreciated Catalyzing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience (CASCADE), USAID, UNICEF and other development partners for their numerous interventions and support towards the overall development of the state through addressing challenges in critical areas of human survival and reaffirmed the readiness of the state government towards MoU obligations for better service delivery.
“This Council represents a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, experts, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Our commitment as a government goes beyond public speaking, it extends to concrete action. Together, let us make Bauchi State a shining example of a community that prioritizes nutrition and thrives as a result."
In a keynote address, the Assistant Country Director of the CARE International, Jennifer Orgle assured of the readiness and willingness of the organisation to continue to support the state government in the implementation of nutrition policies.
Also speaking, the state commissioner Ministry of Budget, Planning and Multi-lateral Coordination, Hon. Aminu Hammayo, said the Bauchi state has domesticated the National policy on food and nutrition, and its implementation has already been approved by the State Executive Council (SEC).
Aminu represented by the Permanent Secretary Idris Saleh Giade added that “The Council has already approved for the implementation of the domesticated document, the ACFN national policy, and it has been put into implementation. So we're here to make sure we go through the national multi-sectoral plan of action, to make all the scrutiny that is expected to have a document relevant to the local setting of Bauchi state”.
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