By Ibrahim Muhammad
The cal was made by mr Okoronkwo Sunday, Executive Secretary For: Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) during a Media round table in Gusau
He said malnutrition remains a critical public health and development emergency in Zamfara State ,despite the state’s vast agricultural and human potential, recent evidence shows a worsening nutrition crisis.
Mr Sunday said Stunting has risen sharply from 50.8% in 2018 to 64.2% NDHS-2023, underweight has increased to 44.3%, and wasting remains a concern. Additionally, 84% of children under five are anaemic, while 35.6% of women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia.
He said the alarming trends are compounded by food insecurity, insecurity-related displacement, low exclusive breastfeeding rates (35%), and limited access to skilled maternal healthcare services, with only 10.8% of births attended by skilled health personnel.
He said these factors undermine child survival, learning outcomes, workforce productivity, and the long-term economic stability of the state.Investing in nutrition is therefore not optional, it is a strategic economic and security imperative.
He stated the Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), with support from UNICEF, is implementing the project titled “Increased Investment in Nutrition to Scale Up Quality Nutrition Services in Zamfara State.
He further said as part of this initiative, the Zamfara State Chapter of CS-SUNN is convening a Media Roundtable to catalyze urgent action toward increased nutrition financing and the effective implementation of the Zamfara State Multisectoral Plan of Action for Nutrition (MSPAN).Advocacy PrioritiesSecure sustainable domestic financing for nutrition, including the allocation of at least 0.5% of the state budget (approximately ₦2 billion annually) to fully fund MSPAN.
Mr Sunday said investing in nutrition will save lives, restore productivity, strengthen resilience, and secure Zamfara’s economic future. With decisive leadership and modest fiscal commitment, Zamfara can turn the tide on malnutrition and build a healthier, more prosperous state for generations to come
