UNICEF, Enugu Govt procure nutrition supplies for mother, child health

It's hoped that with the supplies, every child in the state should have at least one nutritious meal per day to reduce financial burden from parents.

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Mar 31, 2026 - 18:46

UNICEF, Enugu Govt procure nutrition supplies for mother, child health

UNICEF county representative, Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, Health Commissioner, George Ugwu and MD of ENSPHDA, Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, during the hand over if the nutrition supplies in Enugu , on Tuesday,

The Enugu State government in partnership with the United Nations Childrens Fund, Unicef, have procured Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) nutritional supplements used to combat malnutrition, especially in vulnerable populations like children.

SQ-LNS is a nutrient-rich paste providing essential vitamins, minerals, and calories to complement breastfeeding and weaning foods. It's designed for infants and young children (6-23 months) to prevent stunting and support growth; while RUTF is a high-calorie, protein-rich paste used to treat severe acute malnutrition in children.

Speaking during the UNICEF handover of the supplies to the Enugu State government, on Tuesday, Governor Peter Mbah expressed appreciation to the UN agency for its consistent partnership and interest in the welfare of children in the state.

Represented by Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, the state government said that it was It's hope that with the supplies, every child in the state should have at least one nutritious meal per day to reduce financial burden from parents.

UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, stated that the handover marks a key milestone under the Child Nutrition Match-Fund (CNF) Project—an innovative co-financing mechanism.

Saeed disclosed that the co-funding with the state government enabled for the procurement of 2,803 cartons of SQ-LNS, 843 cartons of RUTF, and MMS for pregnant women; a collaboration she said demonstrates sustainable financing and strong partnership to improve nutrition outcomes.

"Malnutrition remains a major public health challenge. Nigeria has the highest number of malnourished children in Africa and second highest in the world. In Enugu, stunting among children under five increased from 12 percent in 2013 to 15 percent (135,008)(2024 NDHS).

"These increasing trends underscores the urgency of scaling up proven, high-impact interventions particularly in the First 1000 Days of Life, such as MMS, SQ-LNS and RUTF.

"UNICEF commends Enugu State’s leadership and contribution to the CNF, positioning the State as a model. Enugu is one of the first states to procure MMS and among few states to prioritize prevention by procuring SQ-LNS," Saeed said.

The state commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, stated that the state governor ensured for establishment of dest officers for nutrition in strategic ministries in the state.

"The governor understands the link between nutrition and human development. The brain must develop well to have a brilliant child. We will ensure that our nutrition data continues to improve," Ugwu said.

The Executive Director of Enugu State Primary Health Development Agency (ENSPHDA), Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku said that state took steps to ensure that it deals with nutrition matters.

"Todays is a path way to nutritional development. The sustainability rests on the local government administration. Government is investigating well in health," She said.