Gombe Governor Launches 5-Year Multi-sectoral Strategy on Food Nutrition to Combat Malnutrition

The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has launched the Gombe State Policy on Food Nutrition and the Gombe State Multi-sectoral Strategic Plan of Action on Food Nutrition.

The event, held at the Gombe International Hotel, marked the state’s commitment to aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the national policy of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized the significance of the policy and action plan in reversing the negative trend of malnutrition in the state.

The Governor stated that the policy was earlier approved by the State Executive Council to align with the Federal Government’s policy on food and nutrition and the Sustainable Development Goals.

According to the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alh. Salihu Baba Alkali, the domestication of the nutrition policy aims to achieve the desired level of food nutrition and food security among the people, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, women, and the elderly.

The launch of the policy and action plan was supported by UNICEF and other donor agencies, with the representative of the Chief Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi, Mrs. Philomena Irene, highlighting the multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary nature of nutrition.

She commended Gombe State for contributing 50 Million Naira as a counterpart contribution to address all forms of malnutrition, particularly wasting, anemia, and stunting.

The policy consultant, Dr. Nigel Yusuf Bachama, and the facilitator of the policy, Mrs. Jessica Bartholomew, both praised the government of Gombe State for being a pace-setter in domesticating the policy.

They emphasized the importance of the policy in steering the identification, design, and implementation of intervention activities across relevant sectors.

By launching the 5-year multi-sectoral strategy on food nutrition, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the health and well-being of the people in Gombe State.

This comprehensive approach will contribute to the overall goal of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all, particularly the children.