The Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), have paid a visit to Zaria and Soba Local Government Areas
The visit is part of efforts to strengthen nutrition interventions in kaduna
The visit focused on improving nutrition among children and pregnant women in the selected local government areas.
Deputy Director of the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, Mrs Priscilla Dariya, commended the commitment of the councils towards ensuring adequate nutrition for children and mothers.
She explained that the two councils are among five out of the 23 local government areas selected by the state government for outstanding performance in nutrition intervention and would be recognized with special awards at the national level.
Also speaking National officers of Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria, Ms. Hope Ekani, alongside Mrs. Adijat Motunrayo Okunade of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Abuja, said the visit was aimed at encouraging the local governments to sustain efforts towards child and maternal health, promote girl-child education and reduce school dropout rates among girls.
Wives of the local government chairmen, Hajiya Hauwa Yakubu Ibrahim of Zaria Local Government Area and Hajiya Salamatu Balarabe of Soba Local Government Area, pledged to intensify awareness on proper nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and maternal healthcare to reduce infant and maternal mortality.
They also stressed the importance of educating parents on proper financial management to reduce out-of-pocket health expenditures while ensuring healthy growth for children and mothers.
Fatima Aliyu, Kaduna
