By Lyop Pam
Plateau State government has launched the distribution of Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements SQ-LNS to over 80,000 infants across the state, as part of efforts to combat malnutrition.
At the launch held at Government House in Jos, Governor Caleb Mutfwang said the initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the health and development of vulnerable populations.
Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements SQ-LNS are single-dose sachets containing 20g of essential nutrients, designed for children aged 6-24 months to prevent malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
Launching the distribution Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo pledged the administration’s commitment to mobilizing resources to combat malnutrition and improve the nutritional status of Plateau citizens.
The Governor commended UNICEF for its role in the Child Nutrition Match Fund mechanism, which he said has helped avert long-term cognitive, physical, and intellectual damage among children in the state.
In a remark the UNICEF Country Representative Ms. Wafaa Saeed commended the Plateau State Government for prioritizing child nutrition and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the state in combating child Malnutrition.
Providing an overview of the nutrition situation in Plateau State, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Raymond Juryit, revealed that 46.4% of children in the State suffer from stunting and underscored the need for interventions like SQ-LNS.
He emphasized that SQ-LNS should be administered within the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, a critical period for growth and development, as inadequate nutrition during this time can lead to stunted growth and other childhood illnesses.
Earlier in a welcome address, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Bulus Lekshak highlighted the significance of the SQ-LNS initiative, noting that government has signed an MoU with UNICEF to provide supplements to over 80,000 infants in the first phase, spanning five months.
In a goodwill message, The Ujah of Anarguta while speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, commended the state government for prioritizing child nutrition and pledged to ensure community compliance.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic administration of the SQ-LNS supplement to a group of infants marking the official commencement of distribution across the state.
Edited by Karen keyen
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