The Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), a non-profit coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations in Bauchi State, has expressed concern that malnutrition remains the biggest threat to child survival in Nigeria.
Secretary of CS-SUNN, Dabis Mwaike made the disclosure at a media parley in Bauchi on Thursday.
She said as part of efforts to mark the 10th anniversary of the alliance, CS-SUN has been reflecting on its journey to curb malnutrition in the country.
According to her, CS-SUNN has led Nigerian civil societies in partnership with government agencies, development partners, the media, and communities to implement nutrition interventions nationwide.
The CS-SUNN Secretary, however, noted that despite all the interventions, malnutrition has remained a concern to public health and a threat to child survival, growth, and development in the country.
She noted that in the 2018 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS), Bauchi State’s stunting rate stood at 46%, wasting at 9.5%, underweight at 28.2%, and overweight at 0.5%, adding that the data underscores the urgent need for action.
She mentioned that inadequate funding is another major challenge working against malnutrition elimination efforts.