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.
Malnutrition continuously threatening child survival, growth in Nigeria – CS-SUNN