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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling malnutrition through an investment of N1.2 billion in domestic resources to the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), a key initiative aimed at improving maternal and child health in Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this in a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, following a stakeholder meeting in Abuja focused on sustainable financing for nutrition and healthcare.
According to Pate, the initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure long-term, sustainable solutions to malnutrition, and noted that 11 to 15 states have already pledged support, further strengthening collaborative efforts.
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The minister stressed the importance of transitioning from donor-funded programs to locally driven solutions, with Nigerian manufacturers now investing in Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) and other essential nutrition products. This shift, he said, aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which prioritizes sustainable health financing and private sector participation.
Pate also acknowledged the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UK Government, the Gates Foundation, and private sector partners for their role in advancing nutrition interventions. A significant milestone was the donation of six million bottles of MMS by
Spencer F. Kirk, Managing Director of Kirk Humanitarian, which has bolstered maternal and child health programs.
“The mass distribution of MMS in Nigeria represents a milestone achievement, already reducing maternal and neonatal mortality at scale.
A healthier and well-nourished Nigeria is a shared goal, and through sustained collaboration, we are making tangible strides toward achieving it,” Pate affirmed.
