Bauchi State has been identified as one of the states with the highest burden of malnutrition in Nigeria.
According to UNICEF, two out of every ten children in the state suffer from severe acute malnutrition, while six out of ten experience moderate malnutrition.
This was revealed by UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Dr. Yusuf Auta, in a presentation on the prevalence of multidimensional child poverty in Bauchi, during the meeting with State House Legislators on nutrition financing and budget allocation, held in Jos, Plateau State.
Dr. Auta attributed the high malnutrition rates to widespread child poverty, both monetary and non-monetary, which deprives children of essential rights such as access to water, sanitation, housing, information, healthcare, education, nutrition, and child protection.
Citing World Bank data from 2023, he noted that households with a per capita daily consumption expenditure per one person below ₦3,225 are classified as poor.
He emphasized that unemployed or underemployed parents struggle to provide basic necessities for their children.
Dr. Auta highlighted the ten local government areas (LGAs) in Bauchi State with the highest burden of malnutrition due to Multidimensional poverty include; Jama’are, Bogoro, Giade, Kirfi, Zaki, Warji, Toro, Bauchi, Ganjuwa and Dass
The UNICEF Specialist on Social policy, said conversely, LGAs with relatively lower levels of multidimensional child poverty include:
Itas Gadau, Ningi, Darazo, Shira, Gamawa, Katagum, Tafawa Balewa, Dambam, Alkaleri and Misau
In an interview, the Chairman of the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ahmed Maikudu Yahaya, affirmed the legislature’s commitment to addressing the crisis. He stated that the Speaker had directed the committee to conduct oversight visits across the state to develop lasting solutions to malnutrition.
Alhaji Yahaya assured residents that the committee would ensure the proper utilization of funds allocated for nutrition. He also emphasized the importance of community sensitization and awareness campaigns on the benefits of locally available nutritious foods.
The Chairman Committee on Nutrition, said the goal of the committee is to ensure that every child in Bauchi State has access to adequate nutrition and a healthy future.
