Northern governors have joined forces to combat malnutrition in the region, with the Federal Government allocating $11 billion to improve primary healthcare nationwide. During a policy dialogue in Abuja, governors from Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, and Zamfara states pledged to work with the government and development partners to address the escalating issue of malnutrition in the North. Founder/Chancellor of Athena Centre, Osita Chidoka, emphasized the urgency of collaborative efforts to save young Nigerians from acute malnutrition, stressing the need for immediate action and long-term strategies.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed the approved fund allocation and interventions in the healthcare sector, focusing on establishing treatment sites and sourcing nutritional supplements in the various regions. Emphasizing the need to enhance primary healthcare systems, Pate highlighted the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and providing resources for malnutrition prevention and treatment.
Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, discussed plans for sustainable food production and fortification, outlining how the government’s collaborative efforts aim to effectively tackle the crisis. With a state of emergency declared and substantial investments in healthcare, the government is determined to ensure food security and the overall health improvement of Nigerians.