The Civil Society for Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has deepened collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to improve child nutrition and maternal health outcomes across the state.
During a courtesy visit in Makurdi, CS-SUNN State Coordinator Rachael Ityohzughul commended the ministry for its commitment to women and children’s welfare, while stressing the urgent need to strengthen nutrition interventions for vulnerable communities.
The group called for the establishment of a dedicated child nutrition fund to provide sustainable financing for programmes targeting pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children, especially in rural and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
CS-SUNN also urged the state government to extend paid maternity leave for civil servants from three to six months, saying the policy would promote exclusive breastfeeding in line with global health standards and improve early childhood development.
Ityohzughul noted that stronger institutional support and increased funding for nutrition would significantly reduce malnutrition and improve child survival rates in Benue State.
In response, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Theresa Odachi Ikwue, said the ministry is working on structured meal plans for children aged zero to 12 months, particularly targeting IDP camps and vulnerable households.
She added that the initiative is part of broader efforts to tackle malnutrition, improve infant health, and ensure proper feeding practices during early childhood development stages.
Both parties agreed that stronger partnerships between government and civil society are essential to addressing malnutrition challenges and improving health outcomes for women and children across Benue State.
