Nigeria's governors pledge a national fund to fight malnutrition
After studying Ethiopia's approach, all 36 state governors also resolved to declare a nationwide nutrition emergency.
Addis Ababa — Nigeria's 36 state governors have agreed to set up a National Nutrition Intervention Fund and to declare a nationwide nutrition emergency, Premium Times reports, citing the News Agency of Nigeria.
The commitment was read out in Addis Ababa by the governor of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, at the end of a three-day visit led by Vice President Kashim Shettima to study how Ethiopia delivers nutrition programmes.
"This massive mobilisation will establish a powerful National Nutrition Intervention Fund," Lawal said.
What the fund is for
The fund is meant to support a programme known as Nutrition 774, named for the country's 774 local government areas. According to Lawal it will reward states that lead, invest their own money and show measurable results.
The governors also pledged to increase domestic financing and to adopt a single framework for planning and budgeting on nutrition.
No figure has been given for the size of the fund.
Starting with two states
The head of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina, said the federal government would begin targeted work in two states chosen for their high rates of stunting. "We will track very rigorously progress in the execution of the plan," he said. He did not name them.
The health minister, Muhammad Pate, said progress would be reported to the vice president.
Ethiopia's health minister, Mekdes Daba, called the exchange a practical example of African countries learning from one another.
This report is based on reporting by Premium Times.
