‘Grave Situation’: UNICEF Warns Of Looming Malnutrition Catastrophe In Bauchi

The Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised a red flag over the state of child nutrition in Bauchi, describing the situation as dire, with nearly half of children under five years old suffering from severe malnutrition.

UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, made the revelation during a press briefing commemorating the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week. She emphasized that malnutrition has become a chronic issue, leading to stunted growth and compromised immunity in children, especially in Bauchi State.

“Breastfeeding is the first promise of good nutrition and survival,” she stated, stressing the importance of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of life, exclusively continuing for six months, and complementing with nutritious food up to 24 months—a formula she described as 1, 6, 24, which every mother and community should embrace.

She appealed for stronger institutional support: “If a state adopts six-month paid maternity leave and equips health workers with breastfeeding knowledge, mothers will be empowered to nourish their children optimally.”

ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, Dr. Rafique also revealed that UNICEF has urged the Bauchi State Government to release a ₦300 million matching grant for the Child Nutrition Fund, which UNICEF would match with another ₦300 million through a pooled donor initiative involving the UK Government, the Gates Foundation, and others.

This joint ₦600 million fund, she noted, would be used to procure Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and other vital nutrition supplies to save malnourished children in the region. She expressed gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammed for his support and commitment to the cause.

In addition, UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Mrs. Philomina Irene, lamented that only two out of every ten infants in Bauchi are exclusively breastfed, falling far below global standards. She urged the media to drive awareness campaigns and promote breastfeeding-friendly environments at workplaces and public institutions.

Bauchi State Nutrition Officer, Alhaji Abubakar Sale Sabo Bara, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing breastfeeding practices through behavioral change campaigns targeting parents, traditional rulers, and religious leaders.

ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, all stakeholders are united in their belief that, with sustained advocacy and collective effort, child survival and nutrition rates in Bauchi can be significantly improved—ensuring no child is left behind in the battle against malnutrition.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”