Skip to main content

UNICEF: 34,000 children may die of malnutrition in Taraba


The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has said that more than 34,000 children in Taraba State may die of severe acute malnutrition, if serious measures are not taken to immediately save the situation.
Bhanu Pathak, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Nigeria, Bauchi Field Office, raised the alarm during a courtesy call on Governor Darius Ishaku, in Jalingo.
“Currently, Taraba State has an estimated 34,419 severe acute malnutrition cases.
“With no health facility providing treatment, these children will be at risk of dying if the government does not intervene appropriately and timely.
“Many children who might survive malnutrition in early life are condemned to permanent physical and intellectual disabilities in later life; thus productivity of the future leaders of the state will be adversely affected,” the UNICEF chief observed.
Pathak also said that more than 75,000 children under five years were yet to be fully immunised from polio and other child killer diseases and urged the state government to step up actions to address the issues.
“UNICEF is also worried that over 75,000 children in the state are not yet fully immunised while over 500,000 children of school age are out of school.
“This is further complicated because of the insurgency in the region, which has turned Taraba to a home for most of the people fleeing.
“The internal wrangling has also added to the problem.
“We therefore urge the state government to step up actions to address these challenges,” he said.
While commending the governor for his commitment to the improvement of health and quality education for children in the state and for attending to the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), Pathak said there was so much that still needed to be done and pleaded for more commitment from the state government.
In his remarks, Governor Ishaku said the state was “immensely grateful to UNICEF for the various interventions in key areas of education, health, nutrition, child protection and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
Ishaku added that the state government had made tremendous efforts and had recorded great success in the provision of health services, education and the general well-being of mothers and children, but was overwhelmed by the challenges posed by IDPs.
“We have done remarkably well and have recorded great improvement in the provision of quality education and health care services to the people.
“But we have challenges and we need your assistance to deal with the plight of IDPs and the refugees we have coming in from Cameroon.
“I have directed that they should be properly taken care of, but we need more assistance to address some of these issues.
“We had hoped to have all our children in school by now, but the crisis has affected our plans,” he said.

NEW TELEGRAPH 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Taraba Governor Approves Cabinet Reshuffle, Redeploys Four Commissioners

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has approved the immediate redeployment of four Commissioners serving in the State Executive Council as part of a cabinet reshuffle. The redeployment, contained in a press release dated August 26, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, Esq., affects four ministries. Under the new arrangement, Hon. Peter George moves from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry to the Ministry of Water Management and Aquatic Affairs, while Hon. Daniel Ishaku is redeployed from Water Management and Aquatic Affairs to the Ministry of Waste Management and Resource Innovation. Also affected are Hon. Bernard Shonzen James Kassa, who moves from the Ministry of Waste Management and Resource Innovation to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Services, and Hon. Philip Habu James, who is redeployed from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Services to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry...
Post a Comment
Read more

Tinubu approve reconstruction of Numan-Jalingo, Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede, Mayo Selbe–Gembu roads

By Taraba Facts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the completion of the long-abandoned Jalingo–Numan Road, rehabilitation of the Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede Road and construction of the Mayo Selbe–Gembu Road has been welcomed as a major development for Taraba State. The approval is expected to address some of the state’s long-standing road infrastructure challenges and improve connectivity between communities, commercial centres and neighbouring states. The Jalingo–Numan Road, which has remained abandoned for years, is considered a critical route for the movement of people and goods between Taraba and Adamawa states. Its completion is expected to ease transportation, reduce travel difficulties and support economic activities along the corridor. Similarly, the rehabilitation of the Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede Road and construction of the Mayo Selbe–Gembu Road are expected to improve access to rural communities and boost agricultural, tourism and commercial activities, particu...
Post a Comment
Read more

Kefas Bans Livestock Rearing in Residential Areas of Jalingo, Imposes ₦50,000 Fine

The Taraba State Government has banned the rearing of animals in residential areas and other parts of Jalingo, the state capital, as part of efforts to tackle environmental nuisance, safeguard public health, and maintain a cleaner and more orderly city. The government also warned that anyone found violating the directive will face an immediate fine of ₦50,000. Chairman of the Taraba State Environmental Sanitation Agency (TSESA), Mr. Iliya Kefas, announced the ban during the state's monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Jalingo.
Post a Comment
Read more