VIDEO: How UNICEF malnutrition programme is saving lives in northern Nigeria

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) says its management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) programme has proven effective.

Through the community-based programme, UNICEF says malnourishment may be coming to an end in Nigeria.

According to UNICEF, 2.5 million Nigerian children currently suffer severe acute malnutrition, with the majority living in northern Nigeria.

In the five-minutes documentary shot in Kano, the agency explained how, through CMAM, it has treated malnourished children in Nigeria.

Children are given highly nutritious Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).

The RUTF which is given directly to the child consist of peanuts, milk, folic acid, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B and vitamin E.

Maryam Ahmad, a trained UNICEF health worker said the only reason most of the families are willing to comply is when you come from the same community.

“If you come from the community, they trust you,” she said.

“We tell them, this will help your child to grow well.

Hamzatu, whose grandchild benefited from the programme said her face is now rounded, lips become fuller and her ribs stopped showing.

“She smiles so much now after the medical centre she was treated, I am the happiest of everyone, I spend all my time together with her, Hamzatu tells UNICEF as she kisses her grandchild.

The agency said about 2 million children have benefited from the programme so far.

Photo credit: UNICEF