The Gombe State Government has launched a distribution program for locally produced complementary food supplements aimed at tackling the high rate of child malnutrition in the state.

Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, who presided over the launch, described the initiative as a "sustainable and homegrown response to a critical health crisis" facing the state.

According to official figures revealed during the launch, Gombe State currently faces a stunting rate of 50.6 percent, with over 94,000 children classified as severely malnourished.

"The development and certification of this supplement by NAFDAC mark a significant step in our Human Capital Development agenda," Dr. Jatau stated during the ceremony.

Collaborative Approach to Nutrition

The project represents a collaborative effort involving multiple government entities, including the Ministries of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, alongside the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) programme.

As part of the initiative, more than 1,000 students from selected schools across the state have received training in preparing nutritious meals. The program has also empowered local women to produce and distribute the supplement, creating both health benefits for children and economic opportunities for families.

Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari, Commissioner for Education, provided additional details on the program's reach, noting that over 200 women and 300 secondary school students have already been trained in the production of the supplement.

"These trained individuals are now positioned as key players in ending child malnutrition in Gombe State," Dr. Maigari explained.

The locally produced supplement, which has received NAFDAC certification, represents a significant achievement in the state's efforts to address malnutrition through indigenous solutions rather than relying solely on imported products.

This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to improve child nutrition across Nigeria, where malnutrition remains a significant public health challenge affecting millions of children.