The Kano State Ministry of Planning and Budget, in collaboration with the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Kano Field Office, has organized a two-day stakeholders’ meeting to review first quarter 2026 food and nutrition activities and strengthen coordination efforts aimed at improving child and maternal wellbeing in Kano State.
The meeting, held in Kaduna State, brought together government officials, development partners, nutrition experts, and stakeholders to assess ongoing interventions and develop strategies for addressing nutrition-related challenges affecting women and children.
Declaring the meeting open, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Budget and Chairman of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCTN), Abdulmumin Ladan Ajumawa, emphasized the importance of the gathering in promoting better nutrition outcomes and strengthening policy coordination across sectors.
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He noted that effective collaboration among stakeholders remains critical to improving nutritional standards and reducing health challenges associated with malnutrition in the state.
Speaking during the session, the Chief of the UNICEF Kano Field Office, Karanveer Singh, called on government agencies and development partners to deepen collaboration and leverage their collective strengths to improve nutrition and child welfare indicators in Kano State.
According to him, no single organization can independently address the growing nutrition challenges affecting women and children, stressing the need for coordinated action and shared responsibility.
“We need to work together as one and build on each other’s strengths to help improve the situation,” Dr. Singh stated.
“We have two options, either to continue with business as usual or take deliberate steps toward meaningful change.”
The UNICEF official expressed serious concern over the high rate of child stunting in Kano State, disclosing that more than half of children in the state are reportedly affected.
He described the situation as unacceptable and urged stakeholders to take practical and evidence-based measures capable of reversing the trend.
“We do not want Kano State to be called out for poor indicators. This is why we must utilize this opportunity to come together, deliberate, and discuss practical solutions,” he added.
Dr. Singh emphasized that interventions and policy decisions must be guided by credible data, research findings, and measurable evidence rather than assumptions or personal opinions.
He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Kano State Government in improving the wellbeing of women and children through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions.
The UNICEF chief further urged participants to ensure that concrete action plans emerge from the meeting to guide implementation efforts in the months ahead.
Development experts at the meeting stressed that nutrition remains central to child survival, cognitive development, educational performance, and long-term economic productivity.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that stronger institutional coordination, improved data-driven planning, and sustained collaboration between government and development partners would significantly improve nutrition outcomes and living conditions for women and children across Kano State.