The Civil Society for Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Benue State chapter, has called for the establishment of a dedicated child nutrition fund to ensure sustainable financing for nutrition programmes in the state.
The state coordinator of the group, Mrs Rachel Ityohzughul, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare aimed at strengthening collaboration on maternal and child nutrition policies.
She said the proposed fund would help address the needs of vulnerable women and children, particularly in underserved communities across the state.
Ityohzughul commended the ministry for its ongoing efforts toward improving the welfare of women and children, while stressing the importance of scaling up nutrition-focused interventions.
She also advocated for an extension of paid maternity leave for nursing mothers in the civil service, as well as stronger support for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life in line with global health recommendations.
According to her, improving funding and institutional support for nutrition programmes would significantly enhance child survival and development outcomes.
She noted that malnutrition remains a major public health challenge affecting both children and breastfeeding mothers, adding that exclusive breastfeeding plays a key role in reducing infant malnutrition and improving overall health.
In response, the Benue State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Theresa Ikwue, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policies that promote the wellbeing of women and children.
She disclosed that the ministry is developing nutritious food options tailored for children between birth and one year, particularly those in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
Ikwue explained that the initiative is being implemented in partnership with women food processors within the state.
She further stated that the ministry remains open to collaboration with civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen child protection, nutrition, and women empowerment initiatives across Benue State.