By Abdul Kareem

Aiming to bolster efforts in addressing malnutrition and enhancing public health, a coalition of civil society organizations, operating under the banner of Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Northern Nigeria (CS-SUNN), is actively advocating for the creation of a budget line dedicated to nutrition initiatives.

On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Borno CS-SUNN, led by its State Coordinator, Hajiya Aisha Maidala, took proactive steps by visiting the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Their primary objectives included conducting budget tracking exercises and collaborating with government officials to explore effective strategies for integrating nutrition funding within various ministries and government agencies.

During their visit, the CS-SUNN delegation, led by Maidala, engaged with the Director of Budget at the Ministry, gaining firsthand insights into the allocation of funds for the year 2024. This direct tracking initiative aimed to shed light on the current state of budgetary provisions for nutrition-related programs and projects.

Speaking about the significance of advocating for a dedicated nutrition budget, Maidala emphasized, “Nutrition is a critical component of public health that cannot be overlooked. Proper funding is essential to address malnutrition and improve the health of our communities.”

The engagement between CS-SUNN and government officials underscores the collaborative efforts required to prioritize nutrition and bolster the overall well-being of communities in Northern Nigeria.

As the advocacy continues, the hope is to secure tangible commitments towards the inclusion of a nutrition budget line, ensuring sustained progress in combating malnutrition and promoting health and wellness.