The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over 2,832 cartons of nutrition supplements to the Ebonyi State Government.

The agency described malnutrition as one of the most critical public health challenges facing the state.

The handover took place on Monday in Abakaliki during the official presentation of 2,832 cartons of Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS), procured through UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Match-Fund Project.

The Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Juliet Chiluwe, noted a steady rise in child stunting rates in Ebonyi, increasing from 20.6 per cent in 2015 to 25 per cent in 2018 and 32 per cent in 2024.

She said the alarming increase underscores the urgency of expanding evidence-based interventions such as SQ-LNS, especially in high-burden states like Ebonyi.

“Today’s handover is a result of the Child Nutrition Match Fund, a co-financing mechanism that promotes shared responsibility between the government, UNICEF and development partners. We commend the Ebonyi State Government for investing ₦150 million, which UNICEF matched, leading to the procurement and delivery of 2,832 cartons of SQ-LNS,” she stated.

Chiluwe added that the supplements are vital during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, helping to improve growth, immunity, brain development and survival rates when properly deployed through primary healthcare and community structures.

She called on the state government to ensure efficient last-mile distribution, particularly to rural and hard-to-reach areas.

Receiving the items on behalf of the state, Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by Deputy Governor Patricia Obila, expressed optimism that the intervention would significantly reduce malnutrition in Ebonyi.

He assured that the supplements would be distributed promptly and transparently to achieve the desired impact.