From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
Mothers in Malam-Sidi Community, Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State, have praised the partnership between the Gombe State Government and UNICEF for significantly reducing child malnutrition in their communities.
The initiative, implemented under the Progressing Action on Resilient Systems for Nutrition Through Innovation and Partnership (PARSNIP) project, provides children aged 6–23 months with Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS).
These nutrient-rich pastes deliver 24 essential micro and macronutrients to support healthy growth and prevent malnutrition in young children.
During a recent media visit, mothers shared how the intervention has transformed their children’s health. Malama Hussaina Bappayo described SQ-LNS as “a wonder supplement every child should receive,” noting remarkable improvements in her children’s growth and immunity.
Malama Asmau Tela added that her daughter, who previously suffered frequent diarrhoea and other illnesses, has been much healthier since taking the supplement.
Several caregivers reported that the program has helped them save significant amounts of money previously spent on medicines for recurrent childhood illnesses.
However, the high demand has led to temporary shortages at local health centres. Mothers appealed to the government, UNICEF, and partners to replenish supplies, warning that consistent availability is crucial to sustaining the program’s impact.
Philomena Irene, Nutrition Specialist at UNICEF Nigeria’s Bauchi Field Office, highlighted the program’s reach, noting that between 2023 and 2025, 106,248 children in Gombe State have benefited from SQ-LNS.
She further emphasized that over 20,347 caregivers have been trained and counselled on proper Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) practices, including the use of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tapes to monitor child growth.
The PARSNIP project, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, aims to prevent malnutrition among children under five while strengthening caregiver knowledge and improving access to essential nutrition services.
The program underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling child malnutrition and promoting healthier communities across Gombe State.