In a significant step toward improving child health in Plateau State, the government has partnered with UNICEF to launch a nutrition campaign aimed at reaching over 80,000 children with vital nutrient supplements.
The launch took place on Monday, September 1st, 2025, at the Plateau State Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, where 5,392 cartons of Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) were officially handed over by UNICEF to the state government.
Leading the handover was the newly appointed UNICEF Representative to Nigeria, while the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngo Josephine Piyo, received the items on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
She described the initiative as a strategic investment in the next generation.
“This initiative is more than a health intervention; it is an investment in the physical, intellectual, and emotional wellbeing of our children,” she said.
“Even in the face of insecurity and limited resources, we are committed to ensuring no child is left behind.”
The supplements were procured through the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), with Plateau State and UNICEF each contributing $200,000 to the $400,000 joint investment.
The initiative is designed to support children between the ages of 6 to 23 months, who are most vulnerable to the effects of malnutrition.
UNICEF’s Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, applauded the Plateau State Government for demonstrating rare political will in prioritizing child nutrition.
“The first 1,000 days of life are crucial — 75% of brain development occurs during this period,” she said.
“These supplements fill nutritional gaps at a stage when breast milk alone is no longer enough. If this window is missed, the damage may be irreversible.”
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Adams Lekshak, described the launch as the beginning of a longer journey, noting that more than 141,000 children in the state are eligible for the intervention.
“This is just the first phase. The work ahead requires consistency, collaboration, and adequate resourcing to reach every child who needs this support,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were key stakeholders from the health sector, traditional leaders, and local government officials who pledged their support.
The Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Primary Health Care Board, Mr. Raymond Jurit, stated that frontline health workers would carry out community-level distribution to ensure the supplements reach the intended children.
The nutrition campaign is part of the state’s broader efforts to reduce preventable child deaths, promote early childhood development, and strengthen healthcare systems across Plateau’s 17 local government areas.
As Plateau continues to prioritise the health of its youngest citizens, the collaboration with UNICEF stands as a reminder that real progress happens when government and partners work together to put children first.
