The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has said that the American government’s 83% cut in foreign aid is causing a global setback in the fight against malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations.
UNICEF Nutrition Specialist for the Kano Field Office, Mr Niyi Oyedokun, stated this while speaking at the State Food and Nutrition Committee meeting held at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
He expressed concern over the dwindling foreign aid from developed nations, which poses a major challenge to donor-funded nutrition programs worldwide.
“The American government has slashed its foreign aid by 83%, causing a global setback in the fight against malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations,” he lamented.
He noted that there is a need for a concerted effort to address malnutrition problems in the country.
He said the Nigerian government has introduced a new initiative to fight malnutrition, which seeks to address the issue at the grassroots level across all 774 local government areas to mitigate the impact of the U.S. aid reduction.
Mr. Oyedokun also praised the Jigawa State Government for its significant investment in the MASAKI Project, a homegrown initiative aimed at combating malnutrition in the state.
Permanent Secretary of the Jigawa State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Muhammad Yusha’u, appreciated UNICEF’s continued support.
He noted that the state government has allocated substantial budgetary provisions for nutrition, including funds from State Assembly Constituency projects, ensuring all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies have dedicated budget lines for tackling malnutrition.
He explained that Jigawa’s MASAKI Project is a unique model nationwide, focusing on sensitization and the treatment of moderately malnourished children using locally available food.
US foreign aid cuts worsen global malnutrition crises – UNICEF
