With 31 million Nigerians facing acute food insecurity, Kwara State has intensified its battle against child malnutrition where two in three children suffer from undernutrition despite national economic growth.

UNICEF Child Nutrition Chief Nemat Hajeebhoy sounded the alarm during a high-stakes meeting with Kwara's health officials in Ilorin on Thursday, revealing Nigeria's grim distinction as the world's second-highest burden of malnourished children after India. "The first 1,000 days of life are non-negotiable," Hajeebhoy stressed. "Without optimal nutrition during this window, children face irreversible stunting, weakened immunity, and impaired cognitive development trapping them in poverty cycles."

The urgency comes as Kwara rolls out:

 Expanded community nutrition centres in 8 LGAs

 Mobile clinics targeting rural "hotspots"

 Breastfeeding advocacy integrated into maternal health services

"Malnutrition isn't just hunger it's a silent emergency eroding our future workforce," stated Dr. Amina El-Imam, Kwara's Health Commissioner, announcing a N1.2bn state-led nutrition fund.

"Breast milk provides essential nutrients and protection against illness, helping children grow healthier and smarter," Ms Hajeebhoy explained.

The UNICEF official urged local government leaders to maintain detailed records of babies in their jurisdictions to facilitate targeted interventions. She also called for universal immunisation coverage and safe childbirth practices to reduce infant and maternal mortality.

Recognising the importance of environmental factors, Ms Hajeebhoy stressed the need for clean water, sanitation, and open-defecation-free communities to prevent disease and promote overall child health.

Emphasising UNICEF's concerns, the health commissioner, Amina El-Imam, reaffirmed the state's commitment to child nutrition policies. She highlighted ongoing initiatives, including promoting exclusive breastfeeding through supportive maternity leave policies that allow civil servants six months to nurture their infants.

The local government community also pledged its backing.

AbdulRahman Ladan, representing the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Kwara, lauded the partnership between UNICEF and the state government, promising that all LGAs would prioritise children's health and take ownership of nutrition programmes.

(NAN)