The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the government of Borno State have joined forces to create a special fund to combat child malnutrition in the region. This new initiative, named the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), was formed after the officials from Borno State and UNICEF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) over the weekend in Maiduguri.
Cristian Munduate, the UNICEF Nigeria Representative, emphasized that the CNF is a dedicated resource aimed at addressing malnutrition among children, particularly in areas impacted by conflict. She explained that the CNF serves as a new way to finance nutrition programs, policies, and supplies that target severe malnutrition in children, often referred to as child wasting.
Munduate’s remarks were delivered by Tushar Rane, the Chief of the Borno Field Office. She highlighted that UNICEF has already contributed to the CNF, along with a $100,000 contribution from the Borno State government. Munduate described child malnutrition as a severe issue exacerbated by factors like conflict, climate change, and lack of awareness, noting that the problem is worsening globally.
The MOU also aims to extend support to other northeastern states affected by over a decade of insurgency. Dr. Babagana Malam, Borno State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, praised UNICEF’s dedication to improving the health and well-being of children in the state.
