Sokoto, Nutrition International Reaffirm Partnership to Combat Malnutrition, Strengthen Healthcare Delivery
Sokoto, Nutrition International Reaffirm Partnership to Combat Malnutrition, Strengthen Healthcare Delivery
From Shehu M Wamakko
The Sokoto State Government and Nutrition International have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and tackling malnutrition, particularly among women, children and vulnerable groups.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu stated this while receiving a delegation from Nutrition International during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Sokoto.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to improve the wellbeing of citizens, noting that investment in healthcare remains a top priority.
He disclosed that over ₦100 million has been committed to child health initiatives, with plans to sustain and expand such programmes in collaboration with development partners.
As part of efforts to boost healthcare services, Aliyu said the state has introduced a two-year mandatory rural posting policy for nurses and midwives to ensure equitable distribution of healthcare workers, especially in underserved communities.
According to him, more than 1,500 nurses and midwives have been recruited and deployed to rural areas, while an additional 2,400 community health workers have been engaged to strengthen primary healthcare centres across the state.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing malnutrition and other public health challenges, stressing that human capital development remains central to the state’s development agenda.
Aliyu also assured development partners, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and communities of the government’s dedication to transparency, accountability and efficient utilisation of resources in the health sector.
He called for sustained collaboration to reduce child mortality, address malnutrition, eliminate gender-based violence, promote safe motherhood and protect the rights and dignity of women, children and adolescents.
Earlier, Nutrition International commended the Sokoto State Government for its sustained commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of women and children, while urging increased domestic investment to tackle malnutrition.
The Country Director of the organisation Osita Okonkwo said the partnership with Sokoto State, which began in 2007, has significantly improved nutrition outcomes for children, adolescents and pregnant women.
He, however, noted that malnutrition remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with serious consequences for cognitive development, immunity, productivity and economic growth, adding that nutrition interventions are among the most cost-effective investments governments can make.
Highlighting its support, the organisation disclosed that it provides about 2.1 million Vitamin A capsules annually for children under five during Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week in the state.The intervention, valued at over ₦100 million yearly, has contributed to reducing child morbidity and mortality.
Nutrition International further revealed that between 2022 and 2025, it supplied 126,000 Zinc and Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) co-packs, alongside an additional 45,000 recently procured to strengthen the treatment of diarrhoea among under-five children.
The commodities are currently at the State Medical Store awaiting distribution.
The organisation attributed the achievements to strong partnerships, particularly the support of the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada and funding from GiveWell philanthropy.
It also lauded the Sokoto State Government for increased budgetary allocation to the health sector and the establishment of an accountability framework to ensure proper utilisation of nutrition commodities.
While acknowledging donor contributions, Nutrition International stressed that sustainable progress depends on stronger domestic leadership and investment, calling for increased funding, evidence-based planning and multi-sectoral collaboration to address the root causes of malnutrition.
“Investing in nutrition is not just a health intervention; it is an investment in education, economic growth and the future prosperity of the state,” the Country Director said.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting Sokoto State with technical expertise and global best practices, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration would help secure a healthier future for all.
